Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart is offering better value and convenience for customers as they start their holiday shopping. More than half of Walmart customers will start their holiday shopping research in October.
The retailer has announced price investments for more savings, three new and expanded returns options, a broader assortment with more top gifts, a new community giving platform and an enhanced omnichannel shopping experience.
“Saving our customers time and money is in our DNA, and I am proud of how we’ve innovated to offer exactly what our customers need this holiday – deeper savings across a broader assortment of gifts with a seamless omnichannel shopping experience,” said Tom Ward, EVP and chief e-commerce officer. “We listened to our customers, and the way we’re approaching holiday this year underscores our commitment to making holiday shopping easier, affordable and more enjoyable.”
Walmart is making the returns experience easier and convenient with three new and expanded options. Starting in October, customers can take advantage of new returns options, including:
- Walmart guarantees customers won’t have to worry about short return windows with the extended holiday return policy for purchases. Eligible purchases made on or after Oct. 1 can be returned through Jan. 31.
- Curbside returns allows customers to return items from their vehicles while they’re picking up essentials.
- Walmart will offer Walmart+ members the option of returns picked up right from their doorstep. When initiating an eligible return on the app, members will be able to schedule a return from their home. Members won’t need to provide a box or a label – they can hand off the return to one of Walmart’s delivery drivers.
The “Holiday Guarantee” is available to all Walmart customers across the U.S. starting Oct. 1. Curbside returns and return pickup from home options will launch in select stores the first week of October and will continue to expand to more stores in the coming months.
In addition, Walmart has expanded its assortment of holiday gifts with more items, new brands and Walmart-exclusives. The retailer invested in key gifting categories to increase inventory for highly-sought-after electronics like TVs, tablets, wireless headphones, wireless phones and watches, as well as home goods including appliances, robotic vacuums and furniture and décor.
Walmart is also introducing Spark Good, offering customers more opportunities to direct their own giving to the causes they care most about.
- Spark Good Round-Up allows customers to round up their purchase total and donate their change to the charity of their choice at checkout on Walmart.com and Walmart app year-round.
- Nonprofits can create and manage registries for products they want and need making it easier for customers to ensure their giving supports areas that will make the greatest impact. Nonprofits can send charitable receipts and thank their donors through Spark Good.
Walmart has streamlined its site experience to make it faster, more engaging and personalized for its customers. The enhancements feature an easy-to-navigate user experience that highlights deals in one place. The retailer also launched a series of new, personalized site experiences like virtual try-on and “View In Your Home.”
Walmart has been preparing to deliver through the holidays, and the company has taken steps to ensure it has the products customers want. Walmart is working closely with partners at every stage of the supply chain to ensure a quick flow of merchandise. Walmart’s recent investments in automation will enable the company to flow products faster through its distribution and fulfillment network, as well as improve the experience in stores for employees serving customers.
For more information, visit corporate.walmart.com.
