Walmart.com is hiring hundreds of workers at its tech operations to boost its free two-day shipping offer for online orders. This move comes as part of its continuing competition with Amazon Prime. (xanax)
Recently, the retailer also launched free two-day shipping on orders of US$35 or more, with no subscription required. This challenges Amazon’s offering of free two-day shipping for Prime customers, which costs $99 per year. Walmart is also pushing free grocery pickup for products bought online.
This reflects the plight of retailers everywhere, who are now trying to create new omnichannel sales strategies.
“Our integrated offering means customers are shopping with us through multiple channels,” says executive vice-president and CFO Brett Biggs.
Walmart is now the second-largest U.S. online retailer by revenue, one of the top three online retailers by traffic, and its Walmart app is among the top three apps in retail.
With these two online giants battling it out, smaller e-tailers and independents with online stores will have to up their game. Ensuring that you have great product selection, as well as expedited shipping options, will further your success. If possible, consider offering free shipping—or other rewards, such as free product—when customers spend over a certain amount of money. Moreover, amp up your in-store game with various promotions—while e-commerce is booming, many consumers still prefer a bricks-and-mortar experience to online shopping.
