Walmart Launches Instore Online

Walmart announced Tuesday (December 4) a new in-store app that gives Walmart store associates immediate access to Walmart.com, so they can help customers select, order and pay for items right in the store.

In a press release, Walmart said one of the best parts of the new feature is that customers can pay however they want whether it’s with cash, check, credit card or Walmart Pay. Customers looking for a specific product, size or color can ask an associate and get help selecting the right item online via an in-store device. After choosing shipping or in-store pickup, customers receive a receipt or email that they use to pay at any cash register in the store. The shipping process commences as soon as checkout. The new app, said Walmart, connects with its stores and Walmart.com to enable a new way to place orders.

That isn’t the only new feature Walmart has rolled out in recent weeks to make holiday shopping easier. The company had its “Check Out With Me”  feature live at each supercenter when Black Friday rolled around last month. With Walmart’s offering, which has workers carry mobile devices to help customers check out, store associates were stationed in well-trafficked areas of the stores beginning on Black Friday. The retailer said at the time “associates will help customers pay and go by simply swiping their credit card and providing them with a paper or electronic receipt for their purchase.” That technology was originally tested in lawn and garden centers, it was reported in April.

Walmart is apparently expecting the holiday season to be merry and bright in 2018, with raised expectations for the full year following the third quarter with stronger-than-expected earnings. For the full year, Walmart now expects same-store sales in the U.S. to rise “at least” 3 percent, compared with a previous outlook of “about” 3 percent. It says adjusted earnings per share will fall within a range of $4.75 to $4.85, up from a prior range of $4.65 to $4.80.