US multinational retailer Walmart has unveiled a series of new initiatives aimed at accelerating the growth of its Walmart Marketplace.
The initiatives were announced during the Let's Grow! 2024 Walmart Marketplace Seller Summit. They include category expansion, multichannel fulfilment and features designed to simplify cross-market selling.
Walmart Fulfilment Services (WFS) is introducing new methods for sellers to expedite the movement of goods across markets and utilise Walmart's capabilities to fulfil any e-commerce retail order.
The company is also launching Multichannel Solutions programme on 10 September 2024.
The programme will enable sellers to use WFS to fulfil orders from any e-commerce site, leveraging Walmart's supply chain.
The company is also introducing Walmart Cross Border, a new import service for full-container-load shipments that will facilitate the transportation of inbound goods from Asian ports directly to WFS facilities in the US.
Additionally, the retailer is offering its carrier network to sellers for full truckload shipments, providing special rates through the Walmart Preferred Carrier programme.
The re-imagined Global Seller Centre and new app will enable eligible sellers to sell across multiple markets, including the US, Mexico, Chile and Canada.
Attendees of the Let's Grow! 2024 summit will gain early access to cross-listing capabilities and complimentary translations.
To further support third-party sellers, Walmart will provide cash advances to qualified sellers and waive peak-season storage fees for inventories sent to Walmart's fulfilment centres before 30 September 2024.
A new Deals Dashboard will enable sellers to participate in Walmart's deal events and gain insights to enhance offer quality.
Walmart is expanding its Marketplace assortment by adding Premium Beauty and increasing its range of collectibles and pre-owned merchandise - part of its strategy to provide more selection for customers and opportunities for sellers.
Walmart US executive vice-president and chief e-commerce officer Tom Ward said: “We’re executing strategic priorities at Walmart that are helping us to become the customers’ first choice – every day, every season, for every item. Walmart Marketplace is a key component of that mission.
“We know the importance of personalised, seamless omnichannel experiences, and Walmart continues to advance its digital and fulfilment capabilities, including the new categories and features we announced today, that enhance the overall customer and seller experience on Walmart.com.”
The announcement of these initiatives follows Walmart's recent divestment from Chinese e-commerce retailer JD.com.
