Walmart has placed digital QR codes next to some items promoting different flavors or iterations, as well as digital tools and services. The retailer plans to promote both first-party and third-party items sold online in this way.
4 Likes
I think I’m OK with this. As long as they don’t abuse it to screw sellers and deceptively drive traffic to their own… yeah OK I see there may be some problems during implementation…
3 Likes
I mean i dont hate the idea.
2 Likes
I honestly think it could be a boon for 3Ps.
2 Likes
Could also be a way for Walmart to test if the public has any interest in an item before offering it a place on the shelf.
3 Likes
This is probably part of the imitative where they are putting the CM’s / Buyers in charge of the marketplace in the categories they manage. They now look there first for new items for their stores.
2 Likes
In many ways, Walmart’s 3P sellers are an untapped asset.
Between the shoppers who take advantage of the ability to suppress the 3P listings, the shoppers who limit their shopping to available today, and the shoppers who pick up their purchases, it is likely that they would want more profit from their 3P sellers.
This scheme seems like a way to use the stores to increase 3P sales while not losing much in in store sales.
I am skeptical that it will boost most 3P seller’s sales, but I could be wrong.
I think this is a great idea to promote the sales of delivered appliances. IMO there is still a hole left by the demise of Sears.
Walmart has a long history of being accused of screwing their vendors, so screwing their sellers would be totally in character. It is also consistent with the behavior of most internet marketplaces.
4 Likes