Internet Retailer quotes Greg Foran, CEO of Walmart's US business, as saying that the retailer's 4,500 stores will be its "competitive advantage" as it builds its online business.
That's because Americans who live near a Walmart (the retailer says that almost 90 percent of Americans live within 10 miles of one) "could save on shipping costs and pick up web purchases at their local store before a web-only competitor like Amazon.com Inc. could have that same purchase shipped to their home, though Amazon offers same-day delivery service in some metropolitan areas. Amazon operates 63 fulfillment centers in the U.S."
The story says that Foran told a recent investors meeting that "making it easier for customers to pick up online grocery orders and other web purchases in a local store is a major priority for Wal-Mart going forward," though he was "light on details."
That's because Americans who live near a Walmart (the retailer says that almost 90 percent of Americans live within 10 miles of one) "could save on shipping costs and pick up web purchases at their local store before a web-only competitor like Amazon.com Inc. could have that same purchase shipped to their home, though Amazon offers same-day delivery service in some metropolitan areas. Amazon operates 63 fulfillment centers in the U.S."
The story says that Foran told a recent investors meeting that "making it easier for customers to pick up online grocery orders and other web purchases in a local store is a major priority for Wal-Mart going forward," though he was "light on details."
- KC's View:
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This is what I would call one of the internal motivations for Amazon to move quickly, efficiently, and effectively.
