The MFC is a section within the store that houses a proprietary storage and retrieval system called Alphabot. Walmart is betting that digitising fulfilment and integrating its supply chain assets will result in improved customer satisfaction and increased opportunities for associates, the retailer said in a media release.

Ryan Simpson, store manager at Store 100, said, "This new order fulfilment system is truly game-changing. It not only bolsters customer experience through quicker, more accurate online order fulfilment, but also provides us the platform to keep growing our business into the future."

The facility will enable the store to fulfil a significantly higher number of daily orders, with faster fulfilment and fewer substitutions. Walmart+ members will enjoy free unlimited delivery, while in-store associates can focus on improving the in-person shopping experience.

"I feel confident that the items our associates are looking for will be available when a customer wants them. It is fulfilling knowing that our team is providing our customers with great service," said Gilbert Giron, an MFC digital team lead at Walmart.

Prathibha Rajashekar, senior vice president of Innovation and Automation at Walmart, said, “We’re constantly innovating for an even better shopping experience, across every platform. We aim to help our customers and associates live better by using technology to save time, which leads to improved experiences for everyone, no matter how they shop."

The Bentonville MFC is the first of its kind in Arkansas and the second nationwide, following a proof of concept located at Store #2142 in Salem, New Hampshire. Walmart has plans to roll out more MFCs in select stores nationwide in the coming years.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)