Walmart has partnered with Japanese e-commerce company Rakuten to open its first online retail store, Walmart Rakuten Ichiba Store, in Japan on Rakuten Ichiba internet shopping mall.
The new store leverages Walmart’s international experience in offering US brand products, as well as Rakuten’s online commerce expertise to enhance the shopping experience for Japanese consumers.
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Walmart’s new digital store offers a range of 1,200 US branded products across various categories, such as fashion apparel, outdoor goods and toys to Japanese consumers.
The orders are fulfilled in the US and the products delivered directly to Japan through air freight.
Rakuten marketplace business CEO and vice-president Shunsuke Yazawa said: “We are very excited to be working with Walmart to bring a diverse product lineup of American brands at affordable prices to Rakuten Ichiba users in Japan.
“Through the opening of the Walmart Rakuten Ichiba Store, we hope to make Rakuten Ichiba an even more attractive destination for online shoppers in Japan.”
In addition, Walmart is planning to add new product categories from its international assortment to expand its offerings on the Rakuten Ichiba store.
The US retail major also established a partnership with Rakuten to introduce a new platform, Walmart eBooks by Rakuten Kobo in August this year.
The new eBook, audiobook and eReader solution allows Walmart customers in the US to access a catalogue of more than six million books.
