In preparation for the holiday shopping season, Walmart announced several initiatives to create a better holiday shopping experience and increase sales. New initiatives include a modernized supply chain powered by data and automation, multi-day Black Friday promotions, and store renovations to provide a more modern shopping experience.
Walmart’s redesigned supply chain, formally announced at an investor conference in February, makes greater use of technology to improve inventory rates, inventory accuracy, store-to-store flow, pickup service, and delivery.
At the heart of the multi-year project’s transformation is an artificial intelligence-based inventory management system that positions products according to customer demand. For example, the system can recognize the best-selling toys in a particular region and automatically send those items to more stores. Or, if toys are selling better in the Midwest compared to the East Coast, your inventory management system can relocate your inventory to that region of the country.
“This holiday season will be the first time our customers begin to feel the benefits of our next-generation supply chain,” the company said in an Oct. 31 blog post. “We are confident [the AI-based inventory management system] This will set you up for success heading into the season and ensure continued success as holiday shopping gets into full swing. ”
Walmart takes advantage of expedited fulfillment during the holiday season
Improvements in technology within the supply chain have enabled Walmart to increase delivery options and expand next-day and same-day delivery capabilities. Walmart currently offers same-day delivery to over 80% of US consumers and can reach 90% of the US population with next-day and next-day shipping.
To make same-day delivery available to such a high percentage of consumers, Walmart uses its 4,700 stores as fulfillment hubs. A Walmart store is located within 10 miles of 90% of the US population.
Another improvement to our delivery service is on-demand delivery slots for same-day delivery. An online shopper can choose a time that fits her schedule or choose express delivery to receive her items within 30 minutes. Shoppers can also choose the late-night delivery service option available at 4,000 stores and pick up their orders until 10:30 p.m.
70 retailers in the top 1,000 offer same-day delivery and 353 retailers offer next-day delivery. The Top 1000 is Digital Commerce 360’s ranking of North America’s largest online retailers.
“I think both Target and Walmart have leveraged their existing store footprint to meet their fulfillment goals, but the Amazon-owned fulfillment network that brings many marketplace products closer to consumers remains It gives us a huge advantage,” said James Risley, Manager and Senior Analyst, Digital Commerce 360 (Survey Data). Amazon has him number 1 in the top 1000, and Walmart has him number 2.
automatic distribution center
Additionally, Walmart continues to introduce what it calls “next generation” technology into its distribution centers that reduces the number of steps in the fulfillment process. Walmart expects more than 15% of its stores to receive merchandise this holiday season from automated distribution centers that can sort merchandise by department and load it onto pallets. When the products arrive at the store, Walmart employees move the pallets to the appropriate department rather than manually sorting the products.
Shipping products from automated distribution centers is expected to speed up the speed at which products can be delivered to stores and off shelves, the retailer said in a blog post. Walmart plans to have seven high-tech distribution centers operational by Thanksgiving. The first high-tech distribution center he opened in Joliet, Illinois in 2022.
“We have been working to restructure our supply chain for years,” a Walmart spokesperson said. “Customer needs and expectations continue to evolve, and as they change, we are committed to enhancing the way we operate to best meet their needs now and in the future.”
Black Friday starts early
In response to consumer demand for special holiday shopping events spread throughout the holiday shopping season, Walmart will hold two Black Friday events during November. The first event will begin online on November 8th and will run in-store until Friday, November 10th. The second event will begin online on November 22nd and will be held in stores on Friday, November 24th, the day after Thanksgiving (traditional Black Friday).
The company plans to conclude its November sales event with a Cyber Monday sale on November 27th. Walmart Plus members will have access to Black Friday and Cyber Monday events three hours earlier than their scheduled start times. Walmart+ is a membership benefits program launched in 2020 that costs $98 per year.
“Customers have loved the Black Friday experience since we introduced it several years ago,” said a Walmart spokesperson. “In fact, 76% of Walmart customers say they prefer special sales to be spread out throughout the holiday shopping season, rather than one-off.”
Neil Saunders, managing director at retail analytics firm Global Data, said holiday sales before Black Friday could bring forward typical holiday spending. Some retailers also launched holiday sales earlier this year, starting with Amazon’s Big Deal Day in October. Walmart held a competing holiday kickoff sale at the same time.
Walmart has updated its website for the holiday season.
In addition to Black Friday and Cyber Monday events, Walmart is making several enhancements to make it easier for shoppers to find and save their favorite deals, shop, and pick up their items this holiday season. It is being introduced.
Walmart+ members and customers shopping on Walmart.com or the Walmart app can save their favorite deals by clicking the heart button, which automatically creates a personalized list called “My Saved Deals.” will be done. The Heart feature allows shoppers to track deals on those items and receive notifications when they become available. Shoppers can add their entire list of saved deals to their cart with one click. You can also share your saved transaction list to take the guesswork out of gifting, the retailer says.
“Walmart has introduced HARTING so our members and customers can save their favorite deals while shopping on Walmart.com and the Walmart app,” a Walmart spokesperson said. Stated. “This new feature allows customers to share their saved deals list with friends and family for easy wishlist inspiration, as well as track and shop their favorite deals in real-time. No more guessing about his holiday gifts.”
Wishlists and registries help consumers prepare
Another enhancement to the online shopping experience is the Holiday Wish List and Toy Registry. The retailer’s Holiday Wishlist page, set to launch this month, will allow shoppers to create gift registries that can be saved and shared with others. Shoppers can also create a toy wishlist directly from the Top Toys list on Walmart.com.
“Walmart’s new Holiday Wish List page allows customers to create their own registries to easily store all their holiday needs (and wants) in one place and share them with friends and family. ,” said a Walmart spokesperson. “From gift ideas to Christmas decorations and even new toy registries, customers can find top gifts, like products on Walmart’s Top Toys list, so family and friends can gift with confidence. It makes it even easier to check off everything on your list this season.”
“All of the changes are thoughtful. They all move toward a larger goal: meeting customers wherever they are and leveraging our stores to become a more modern, highly connected Walmart.” It’s about welcoming people,” Walmart said in an Oct. 30 blog post. “Whether you come in to just wander, grab a bite to eat, or take advantage of our pick-up and delivery service, all of our renovated stores are ready to enhance your experience. ”
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