Walmart news 

Walmart-owned, South Africa-based Massmart released a trading update for the 52-week period ending 27 December 2020, noting full year sales fell 7.7% to ZAR86.5 bn (US$5.9 bn). The retailer reported comparable sales contracted by 7.5% in the year, although it had seen an improvement in performance in Q4. Q4 sales contracted 4.1% The retailer said sales in its fourth quarter were down 4.1% o...

In our report on Valentine’s Day 2021 , we highlight five key themes from the event and explore best-in class retail execution from the UK and beyond. In this article we round up some of our favourite examples of in-store execution from the UK and Canada. M&S: creating an immersive in-store experience Marks & Spencer created a vibrant, love-themed vibe in-store. Its standalone fixtures dis...

In an update for analysts, Walmart has outlined its capital expenditure plans for the year ahead and the continued transformation of its business. Uniquely Walmart Walmart’s president and CEO, Doug McMillon, struck an upbeat tone in outlining his vision for the company. Building on the momentum of 2020 , the retailer plans to accelerate its strategy to deliver long term growth. It’s ai...

We review Walmart's fourth quarter and full year results, as it outlines the next phase of its growth and development. Walmart's key numbers Walmart's total revenue in Q4 increased by 7.3% to $152.1bn, representing an additional $10.4bn Sales in its US stores increased by 7.9%, with Sam’s Club's sales up 8.1% US ecommerce sales increased 69% US comp store sales increased by 8.6%...

Shoppers’ needs have evolved in recent years and they increasingly want stores and online delivery services that can adapt to their busy lifestyles. This has been accelerated by the conditions of the pandemic, which have impacted mobility, creating a greater need for delivery. In response, retailers are investing in ecommerce and re-prioritising their omnichannel strategies. Walmart Mexico (...

Walmart-owned Flipkart has begun to deliver wholesale grocery items to Kirana stores and other small retailers in India. Pilot in Gurugram and service will be rolled out to the rest of India later Flipkart Wholesale, which connects manufacturers with retailers in 23 cities, started with clothing and footwear. With the addition of grocery products in its inventory, Kirana stores and small re...

In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the food and consumer goods industry in a way that no one could have foreseen at the start of the year. Shopping habits changed at rapid pace and the retailers had to adapt to meet their changing needs. Although it is unclear exactly what the next 12 months will bring, the actions of the region’s leading retailers in 2020 help to us to understand the d...

Walmart is rebranding its in-house media business, Walmart Media Group, to Walmart Connect, as it expands its focus across digital and physical platforms. Three focus areas Growing its media business is a strategic focus for Walmart as part of its goal to develop alternative revenue and profit streams. With over 150m weekly customers, Walmart Connect will aim to optimise the retailer’s phys...

Building on its existing automated micro-fulfillment partnership with Alert Innovation, Walmart is scaling up its programme through engaging with a broader range of partners including Dematic and Fabric. Improving availability, speed and efficiencies Walmart started piloting the micro-fulfillment concept at its store in Salem, New Hampshire, in 2019, using an automated solution in partnersh...

Walmart Chile has been rebuilding after a challenging 2020, where it was impacted by political turmoil and riots. These issues were exacerbated by the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a surge in online demand at the start of the pandemic, the business announced it was investing US$50m into ecommerce initiatives in 2020 and 2021. Here we explore how the business is bolstering its o...