Walmart’s E-Commerce Sales Rise 24% as Delivery Speeds Up

The strategy is bigger than fast delivery. Walmart is building a system in which stores provide local inventory, marketplace sellers expand assortment and advertising improves the economics of every digital visit. The company also reported stronger ecommerce economics and double-digit Walmart+ membership-fee growth.

The risk is allowing speed to become an expensive promise customers take for granted. Thirty-minute delivery should be concentrated in dense markets and profitable categories. The lesson for other retailers is not to copy Walmart’s delivery clock.

It is to connect stores, loyalty data, suppliers and media inventory so each asset makes the others more valuable.