Expanding Business Opportunities in the Global Market with Walmart

In the global retail world, Walmart is a name that cannot be overlooked. From a small store in Arkansas, USA, Walmart has grown into the world’s largest retail corporation, generating $611 billion in revenue in 2023. With over 11,000 stores across 27 countries and a rapidly expanding e-commerce platform, Walmart is not only an ideal shopping destination for consumers but also a golden opportunity for sellers looking to expand their market. So, what is Walmart, and why has selling on this platform become so attractive?

What is Walmart? Founded in 1962 by Sam Walton, Walmart started as a small retail store. Thanks to its low pricing strategy and excellent customer service, the corporation quickly expanded and became one of the largest retail empires globally. In addition to its traditional retail model, Walmart has actively expanded its e-commerce platform to keep up with the digital market’s development.

According to Walmart's 2023 financial report, its e-commerce revenue reached $82 billion, accounting for around 14% of the company’s total retail revenue. As consumers increasingly prefer online shopping, Walmart has heavily invested in its e-commerce platform to compete with major players like Amazon.

Walmart’s E-commerce Growth: In recent years, Walmart has been striving to improve its digital infrastructure to keep up with the global online shopping trend. From acquiring tech companies like Jet.com to partnering with leading shipping companies, Walmart is positioning itself as a strong competitor in the e-commerce field. In 2023, Walmart’s online sales in the U.S. grew by 17% compared to the previous year, bringing its U.S. e-commerce market share to around 7%.

Although this figure is still smaller than Amazon's—currently holding over 38% of the U.S. e-commerce market—Walmart is gradually closing the gap through its low-price strategy, free shipping policies, and extensive store network supporting same-day delivery. Additionally, Walmart Plus, a membership program offering fast and free delivery perks, is creating a new wave, directly competing with Amazon Prime.

Why Sell on Walmart?

1. Access to a Huge Customer Base: Walmart attracts millions of visits each month on its online platform. In Q1 2023 alone, Walmart.com had over 400 million visits, providing sellers with the opportunity to reach a massive pool of potential customers. This offers a significant advantage over other platforms, especially for businesses looking to scale quickly.
2. Brand Trustworthiness: Walmart has long been trusted by consumers for its product quality and service. For sellers, having their products on a reputable platform like Walmart increases customer trust, driving sales. When consumers see your products on Walmart, they tend to believe the products have been vetted for quality and meet Walmart’s standards.
3. Reasonable Costs: Selling fees on Walmart are generally lower than other platforms, allowing businesses to optimize their profits. For example, Walmart’s referral fees range from 6% to 20%, depending on the product category, whereas other platforms may charge higher fees. This helps sellers plan their finances more efficiently without worrying about excessive costs.
4. Flexible Operating Models: Walmart offers multiple shipping options, from self-fulfillment to using Walmart’s logistics service (Walmart Fulfillment Services - WFS). With WFS, sellers can leverage Walmart’s extensive distribution network to ensure fast and secure delivery to customers. In 2023, WFS processed over 100 million orders, demonstrating its scale and efficiency.
5. Global Growth Opportunities: Walmart is not only focused on the U.S. market but is also expanding into countries like Mexico, Canada, and China. This provides sellers with the opportunity to grow not only domestically but also on a global scale. With Walmart, you’re not just selling to U.S. consumers but also tapping into international markets, helping businesses expand and grow sustainably.

Conclusion: Walmart is reshaping the retail market by combining its traditional store network with a powerful e-commerce platform. Although Walmart’s e-commerce market share is smaller than Amazon's, its current growth rate is solidifying its position in this competitive race. Selling on Walmart not only helps you reach a massive customer base, increase brand credibility, but also provides affordable costs and global growth opportunities. Walmart is quickly becoming an unmissable e-commerce platform for businesses seeking sustainable success in the future.