Walmart's US online sales increased 43% in the fourth quarter, thanks to growth in online grocery shopping – TechCrunch



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This morning, Walmart posted strong holiday sales growth for its holiday quarter, with a 4.2% increase in US sales compared to the same period last year and a 43% increase in sales. its online sales in the United States. The retailer has exceeded analysts' expectations with a turnover of $ 138.8 billion for the quarter, just ahead of the $ 138.76 billion expected; and earnings per share of $ 1.41, ahead of analysts' estimates of $ 1.33.

Specifically, Walmart attributed the strong growth of e-commerce to the expansion of its grocery collection and delivery operations and to a broader assortment on Walmart.com.

The company has launched a challenge to Amazon, Instacart, Target's Shipt and others in grocery shopping. He had been playing with the idea for years before finding a model that made sense and did not lose money. With the grocery pick-up, Walmart offers an alternative to the higher cost of using grocery delivery services, while remaining convenient, as customers can skip aisles and not shop but stay in their cars for that the races are loaded in the trunk.

More recently, the company began working with a network of partners to deliver grocery delivery to customers' homes. He ended relationships with Uber, Lyft and Deliv while adding new partners such as Point Pickup, Skipcart, AxleHire and Roadie and transferring activities to partners such as Postmates and DoorDash.

Today, Walmart's grocery store pick-up service is available at more than 2,100 Walmart locations and delivery is expected at nearly 800. It is expected to offer pickup at 3,100 locations and delivery at 1,600 from here. at the end of fiscal year 2020, the statement said.

Meanwhile, Walmart is working to expand its online offering and offer more shopping experiences. For example, during the 2019 fiscal year, the retailer opened the upscale Lord & Taylor store on the site; added virtual 3D purchases in its Home category; launched a fanatics store focused on sports fans; introduces a new destination for nurseries on Walmart.com; started adding products from its acquired brands to the main website; and launched Walmart eBooks in partnership with Kobo; among others.

Walmart has also made shipments to your home more affordable. In 2017, Walmart introduced an alternative to Amazon's most expensive premium subscription with a two-day free shipping on orders of $ 35 or more. Last year, she extended free shipping of her products over two days to her market by collaborating with hundreds of her best-selling sellers and third-party vendors, such as Deliverr.

Last year, the company also launched a new, more personalized website, including a refurbished Home Section, a cleaner, more modern design and sections featuring trendy items in the buyers' area. The redesigned website made it easier to order groceries and rearrange favorites.

In November, eMarketer said Walmart had overtaken Apple to become the 3rd largest online retailer in the United States. Walmart (including its Jet and Sam's Club brands) is expected to capture 4% of all online sales by the end of the year. Amazon, of course, remained # 1, followed by eBay.

"Progress in accelerating growth initiatives and favorable economic conditions has allowed us to achieve strong sales and market share," Walmart CEO Doug McMillion said in a statement. . "We are delighted with the work we are doing to reach customers more digitally. Our commitment to our customers is clear: we will be there when, where and how they want to shop and offer new and unique practical experiences at Walmart. "

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