Wal-Mart is not only servicing the the US, but is a large global player in the retail market, servicing 28 countries. Wal-Mart Global is not only brick and mortar, but also online and greatly pursuing growth in various markets via e-commerce. Wal-Mart has partnered with a leading e-retailer to use e-commerce in an effective way.
In February 2012, Wal-Mart Global announced a stronger investment into Yihaodian, a well-known B2C e-commerce based company, which sales daily items such as groceries, consumer electronics, and apparel. The investment gave Wal-Mart a 51% stake in Yihaodian. Wal-Mart made it known they are very serious in capturing a strong presence in the China market. China is currently a leader in consumer buying.
Neil Ashe, Walmart Global eCommerce CEO, said earlier this year about the partnership with Yihaodian, "This investment further enables Walmart to deliver a superb customer experience to Chinese consumers that are already connected to the world through smart phones and social media. We are on track to create the next generation of eCommerce, offering the latest in online innovations to give our customers a unique shopping experience. Our further investment in Yihaodian demonstrates that we are committed to investing in China in a key growth industry and developing all that goes with it: logistics, infrastructure, innovative talent and new technologies that will help China meet its development goals".
Yihaodan, started in 2008 and has more than 180,000 sku's of the same daily products that Wal-Mart sales on a regular basis. The company has 5,400 employees and is one of the fasted growing companies in China. As of September this year, Wal-Mart and Yihaodian have made a powerful partnership. Internet Retailer recently reported Yihaodian provides same-day delivery to the largest cities in China. With 34 delivery stations throughout China, the e-retailer takes half a day to fulfill their orders. The company also provides next-day delivery of consumer items as well.
It had been discussed last year about Wal-Mart providing a grocery delivery service. We have not seen this implemented in the US thus far, however, this type of e-commerce in China could be an indicator of what is to come with the world leader of retail. Mobile commerce is becoming the wave of the future and companies like Wal-Mart are changing their business strategies to meet the increase of online demand. The key to e-commerce is not the product, but the speed in which the customer can receive it. Wal-Mart partnering with Yihaodan recognizes that same-day delivery is what will ultimately cause a company's e-commerce to thrive.
Wal-Mart Global is successful with e-retail partner Yihaodan because their delivery system works. Your company can do the same. Same-day delivery couriers such as A-1 Express are who many companies are turning to as the best option to become a force in online business. A-1 Express is not only local, but has a national footprint in the US and can meet all of your same-day delivery needs. This New York Courier can complete order fulfilments fast and can quickly implement courier solutions for the broadest scale of e-commerce.
References: 2.19.12, Wal-Mart Stores, PR Wire, Walmart Global eCommerce Announces Increased Investment in Yihaodian; 9.12.12, Internet Retailer, Dan Davis, Wal-Mart’s Chinese e-retail partner delivers fast