Today in the Connected Economy: Walmart Wants to Woo Influencers

Today in the connected economy, Walmart unveils a content creation platform designed to let influencers post about the retailer’s products on social media while earning commissions.

Also, Netflix sees a light at the end of the tunnel as its subscriber base grows, and DoorDash teams with the NBA’s Golden State Warriors to sell food and beverages at the team’s stadium.

Walmart Aims to Add Influencers via Content Creation Tool and Commissions

Walmart is launching a new content creation platform of digital tools to let influencers and creatives make social media posts while earing commissions on the products they sell.

In unveiling the Beta-version of the newly launched “Walmart Creator” portal, the retail giant said it hoped to “democratize” the creative process for eCommerce and social media by allowing artists monetize shoppable products from Walmart.

“We know our customers are inspired by the content and stories they see from their favorite influencers in their social feeds every day,” William White, chief marketing officer, Walmart U.S., said. “This next step in our strategy will help fuel inspiration for our customers by connecting their favorite creators directly with our brand and the brands they love at Walmart.”

Netflix Reports Better-Than-Expected Subscriber Growth

Netflix saw 2.4 million new subscribers during its most recent quarter as it outpaced its competitors in user engagement.

Writing to its shareholders, the streaming giant said its revenue, operating income and membership slightly exceeded its expectations in the third quarter of 2022.

The company said the quarter saw it release some of its most popular programming, including “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” and the fourth season of “Stranger Things.” Meanwhile, Netflix said it saw higher engagement than other streamers, such as Amazon and Disney+.

DoorDash Partners With Warriors as Aggregators Compete for Stadium Concessions

Restaurant aggregator DoorDash is taking its technology to sports venues in a bid to reach a wider audience and drive a greater number of transactions.

The company has inked a multi-year partnership with San Francisco’s NBA team, the Golden State Warriors, providing in-arena food and beverage ordering through the aggregator’s app at the team’s Chase Center.

“Chase Center will be one of the first NBA venues to offer fans the ability to order food and beverage through DoorDash,” Warriors Executive Vice President Mike Kitts said in a statement. “This is the beginning of a multi-faceted partnership that will redefine the food and beverage experience both in-arena and for Dub Nation around the Bay Area.”

Visa Partners With Nuvei, Tender Retail on BNPL Expansion

Visa is working with two other companies to bring its “Installments” program to more cardholders amid a rising demand among Canadian consumers for buy now, pay later (BNPL) offerings.

“With Installments enabled by Visa, consumers have the option to convert qualifying purchases into smaller, predictable installment payments made over a defined period using an eligible credit card,” the company said in a news release.

Over the next few months, consumers will be able to choose Installments at some of the largest retailers in Canada, including Simons, Canada Computers, Soft Moc and Trévi. Visa is working with Nuvei and Tender Retail on the project.

Featurespace, Global Processing Services Team to Detect Issuer Payments Fraud

Payments technology provider Global Processing Services (GPS) said it is taking its fraud detection capabilities to a new level via a new partnership with fraud detection and risk management company Featurespace.

GPS is integrating Featurespace’s ARIC Risk Hub into its suite of fraud and risk management services, with the goal of improving fraud detection by 70%, reducing false positives by 80%, and spotting suspicious activity in real time.

“Through this partnership, GPS will be able to provide an enhanced level of customer experience and increased security assurances, enabling their clients to focus on continued innovation and growth,” said Featurespace CEO Martina King.