What’s new: Walmart Marketplace Update August 2024

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by

Mat Drela

“Sellers are looking for a smart path for growth,” said Manish Joneja, senior vice president, Walmart Marketplace and Walmart Fulfillment Services. “We’re bringing all the pieces together to be much more than a marketplace and investing in new ways for sellers to serve customers as we grow together.”
Walmart Marketplace has achieved more than 30% sales growth in each of the past four quarters and is significantly driving the retailer’s sustained eCommerce success. Walmart’s global eCommerce sales surpassed $100 billion last year, and its U.S. eCommerce business has delivered double digit growth for six consecutive quarters. The sustained momentum stems from innovative customer experiences and an omnichannel assortment that is increasing as more independent sellers choose Walmart as a smart path for growth.
Waiving peak season storage fees until Sept. 30 for WFS users. Expanding Walmart Marketplace Capital for cash advances up to $5 million for qualifying sellers. Introducing Deals Dashboard for easier item enrollment in holiday deals.
1. Launched Multichannel Solutions to fulfill orders from any eCommerce site using Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS). 2. Introduced Cross Border Fulfillment for importing goods from Asia. 3. Opened Walmart’s carrier network for truckload shipments at special rates.
Eligible sellers can take advantage of 0% commission fees for collectibles and more through Oct. 31, including action figures, dolls, trading cards, sports memorabilia, comic books, records and musical instruments In the Collector shop, sellers can now enable preorders to build customer anticipation for drops, including releases exclusive to Walmart. The experience adds pre-owned conditions for collectibles under Resold at Walmart.
1. Launched Premium Beauty featuring brands like COSRX, T3, and Beachwaver. 2. Introduced "Resold at Walmart" for pre-owned items across categories, supporting sustainable choices. 3. Expanded Collectibles with pre-orders and 0% commission fees 
for sellers until Oct. 31.

At the Let’s Grow! 2024 Walmart Marketplace Seller Summit, Walmart introduced several initiatives aimed at helping sellers grow and enhancing the customer experience. Key announcements included category expansions, multichannel fulfillment solutions, and new features to simplify cross-market selling.

Walmart Marketplace, which has seen over 30% sales growth in the past year, is a major driver of Walmart’s eCommerce success. “We’re executing strategic priorities at Walmart that are helping us to become the customers’ first choice – every day, every season, for every item. Walmart Marketplace is a key component of that mission,” said Tom Ward, Walmart U.S.’s executive vice president and chief eCommerce officer.

To broaden its product offerings, Walmart is adding Premium Beauty, pre-owned merchandise, and collectibles.

More than 20 new brands will join the Premium Beauty category, and Walmart is launching “Resold at Walmart,” a new digital destination for pre-owned items. The collectibles category will also be enhanced, with sellers able to offer preorders and zero commission fees through October 31.

Walmart continues to integrate its physical and digital channels to boost marketplace sales. Initiatives like connecting tire sellers with Walmart Auto Care Centers and offering easy returns at 4,600 stores nationwide further enhance omnichannel convenience. Additionally, Walmart previewed “LocalFinds,” enabling customers to buy from nearby sellers for fast delivery, starting in Atlanta and Dallas this fall.

On the logistics front, Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) announced the Multichannel Solutions program, allowing sellers to fulfill orders from any eCommerce site using Walmart’s supply chain. Walmart also introduced Cross Border Fulfillment and new carrier options to streamline shipments. These solutions will launch ahead of the holiday season to help sellers meet demand.

“Sellers are looking for a smart path for growth,” said Manish Joneja, senior vice president of Walmart Marketplace and Walmart Fulfillment Services. “We’re bringing all the pieces together to be much more than a marketplace and investing in new ways for sellers to serve customers as we grow together.”

Key Announcements:

  • Category Expansion:
    • Launched Premium Beauty featuring brands like COSRX, T3, and Beachwaver.
    • Introduced “Resold at Walmart” for pre-owned items across categories, supporting sustainable choices.
    • Expanded Collectibles with pre-orders and 0% commission fees for sellers until Oct. 31.
  • Omnichannel Fulfillment:
    • Launched Multichannel Solutions to fulfill orders from any eCommerce site using Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS).
    • Introduced Cross Border Fulfillment for importing goods from Asia.
    • Opened Walmart’s carrier network for truckload shipments at special rates.
  • LocalFinds Program:
    • Launching in fall, connecting customers to local businesses through direct pickup and delivery from sellers’ physical stores.
  • Holiday Readiness:
    • Waiving peak season storage fees until Sept. 30 for WFS users.
    • Expanding Walmart Marketplace Capital for cash advances up to $5 million for qualifying sellers.
    • Introducing Deals Dashboard for easier item enrollment in holiday deals.

Growth Statistics:

  • Walmart Marketplace achieved over 30% sales growth for the past four quarters.
  • The number of sellers on Walmart.com grew by 20% last fiscal year.

Ready to bring your brand on the sales track of the second biggest US marketplace?

Get in touch!

Mat Drela

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdrela