BENTONVILLE, AR – Looking to secure a greater share of the online marketplace this week, Walmart announced this Wednesday, February 15, that it has acquired prominent online outdoor retailer Moosejaw for $51 million.

The acquisition, closed February 13^th, is part of a broader push toward increasing online sales for Walmart, and follows the company’s acquisition of Jet.com last year and several recent moves to streamline, expand, and further integrate online operations.

According to a Walmart press release, Moosejaw, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Madison Heights, Michigan, is a leading online active outdoor retailer with a large web presence and 10 ten physical stores; the company carries more than 400 brands and employs over 350 employees.

Moosejaw suppliers’ products will likely become available through Jet.com and Walmart’s other ecommerce sites. While this acquisition is not explicitly produce-related, this move is one that continues to put the company at greater competition with Amazon. As we have continually reported, the company has been steadily working on efforts to expand its online offerings to better compete with Amazon.

Moosejaw will continue to operate its site and stores as a standalone, complementary brand to Walmart’s other ecommerce sites. The outdoor retailer will continue to focus on apparel and accessories and will bring its strong industry relationships and expertise to the Walmart family of companies.

What affects will Walmart’s increasingly-aggressive push into online retail have on the emerging online grocery game? AndNowUKnow will keep you up to date.

Walmart