Walmart Partners with Japan's Rakuten Inc.
TOKYO, JAPAN – In response to Kroger’s rumored new partnership with Alibaba, Walmart pushes for global online grocery dominance with a collaboration with Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten, Inc. Yesterday, January 25th, Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon and Rakuten Chairman, President, and CEO Hiroshi “Mickey” Mikitani met in Tokyo to announce their new strategic alliance. Expanding consumer reach, enhancing customer service, and leveraging each company’s strengths and assets, the two are planning to launch an online grocery delivery service, Rakuten Seiyu Netsuper, in Japan in the third quarter of 2018.
“Rakuten is a strong e-commerce business, and we’re excited to collaborate with the top online shopping destination in Japan,” McMillon said in a company press release. “Here in Japan and everywhere we operate, we’re constantly exploring new ways to make every day easier for customers by offering great experiences in stores, online, via mobile—no matter how customers want to shop. We look forward to expanding our grocery footprint in Japan.”
The partnership between Rakuten and Seiyu GK, a subsidiary of Walmart also known for quality and low prices, is launching Rakuten Seiyu Netsuper to offer a more convenient shopping experience that meets the changing needs of customers in Japan. Along with fresh produce and daily consumables, the new service will deliver convenient items like cut vegetables, partially-prepared foods, and ready-meal kits, as well as popular local gourmet products from merchants on the Rakuten Ichiba marketplace.
“As global leaders in e-commerce and offline shopping, Rakuten and Walmart are uniquely positioned to empower our customers around the world with innovative services,” Mikitani said. “We are excited to partner with Walmart because of its commitment to creating the best solutions to serve customers with low prices.”
With delivery points out of Seiyu stores and plans for a fulfilment center in the works, Rakuten Seiyu Netsuper will also have a site dedicated to an optimized user experience and a more personalized merchandise offering.
Will Walmart and Kroger’s online grocery strategy of global expansion bear fruit in fresh produce delivery sectors? AndNowUKnow will continue to report with the latest.
