US' Walmart & Salesforce to start local pickup & delivery solutions

Customers today expect seamless in-store and online experiences with convenient fulfilment options, but creating and managing these complex in-house, omni-channel solutions can be a challenge for retailers. For over a decade, Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, has pioneered and scaled innovative omnichannel technologies. Walmart’s partnership with Salesforce will provide retailers access to the same scalable technologies that Walmart uses. These solutions will enable personalised and easy commerce experiences with real-time order visibility and reliable local pickup and delivery, the company said in a press release.

The Walmart Commerce Technologies Store Assist app helps retailers leverage their local stores as fulfilment centres. With Store Assist, retailers can optimise in-store fulfilment by increasing picking accuracy, speed and efficiency. The app will provide a seamless handoff experience between employees and customers or third-party delivery drivers. With Walmart GoLocal, retailers of all sizes will have access to white-label, delivery-as-a-service technology to power a frictionless delivery experience for their customers.

With Store Assist, built by Walmart Commerce Technologies, retailers can leverage their local stores as fulfilment centres, increase picking efficiency and provide seamless handoff experiences to customers or delivery drivers. With Walmart GoLocal, retailers can serve their customers with scalable local delivery solutions that offer reliable, same-day delivery under a white-label experience, which allows them to keep the customer experience under their brand. With Salesforce Commerce Cloud and Order Management, retailers can efficiently manage their customers’ omnichannel shopping experience across one platform while leveraging AI and real-time data to give customers connected, personalised experiences.

“Through this partnership, retailers can leverage the same innovative and scalable technologies that power Walmart’s pickup and delivery experiences. The same technology that powers Store Assist has enabled Walmart to fulfil over 830 million^* orders across over 4,700 Walmart stores. Together with Salesforce, retailers can scale their business and deliver the personalised, convenient experiences shoppers expect,” Anshu Bhardwaj, senior vice president, technology strategy and commercialisation, Walmart Global Technology, said.

“Shoppers continue to expect brands to deliver highly connected and frictionless experiences across physical and digital touchpoints. With the combined power of Walmart and Salesforce, retailers can drive success with best-in-class technology to advance their omnichannel capabilities, drive efficiency and ensure that every purchase quickly gets into the hands of the shopper – no matter where they are,” Rob Garf, vice president and general manager of retail, Salesforce, said.

“Retailers are looking for ways to improve cost efficiency while meeting their customers’ needs, no matter where or how they choose to shop. Fulfilment from stores is an effective way to achieve these goals and serve customers quickly and reliably through local delivery. We look forward to connecting more retailers with the customisable, local delivery solutions they need,” Harsit Patel, vice president and general manager of Walmart GoLocal, said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)