Walmart Has Built a Digital Powerhouse—With Help From WhatsApp

Core Insights - Walmart's e-commerce business is experiencing significant growth, with digital sales increasing by over 20% in the U.S. for seven consecutive quarters [2][7] - The company is leveraging technology, including automation and AI, to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations [4][9] E-commerce Performance - E-commerce accounts for nearly one-third of Walmart's international business and about half of its sales in China [2] - U.S. e-commerce transactions surged by 28% in the last quarter, contributing to a positive outlook for the fiscal year [2][5] Automation and Cost Reduction - Walmart has automated about 50% of the material processed by its U.S. fulfillment centers, leading to a 30% reduction in expenses over several quarters [3] - The company is exploring new methods to engage customers, such as automating order fulfillment and using WhatsApp for customer interactions [4][10] Customer Engagement Strategies - In Chile, Walmart's strategy of filling digital shopping carts based on previous orders and inviting customer review via WhatsApp has proven successful, accounting for a fifth of its local e-commerce business [1][10] - The retailer is also partnering with OpenAI to improve the shopping experience through AI-driven platforms [9] Leadership and Market Response - Walmart's recent results exceeded analysts' expectations, leading to a 6% increase in shares, with a year-to-date rise of nearly 18% [5]