Walmart teams up with Rakuten
Walmart is teaming up with Rakuten to launch an online grocery delivery service in Japan.
Rakuten and Seiyu GK, a subsidiary of Walmart, have agreed to establish a joint venture with the aim of launching the Rakuten Seiyu Netsuper service in the latter half of 2018.
The two companies are aiming to increase capacity with the establishment of a dedicated fulfilment centre, in addition to offering deliveries from Seiyu stores.
Products on offer will include fresh produce and daily consumables as well as a range of convenience items such as cut vegetables, partially-prepared foods and ready-meal kits. There will also be popular local gourmet products from merchants on the Rakuten Ichiba marketplace.
Never Miss a Retail Update!In addition, Walmart and Rakuten Kobo have formed an exclusive retail alliance that will enable Walmart to begin selling e-books and audiobooks, as well as offer Rakuten Kobo e-readers, in Walmart stores and online at Walmart.com in the US later this year.
Walmart president and chief executive Doug McMillon said: “Rakuten is a strong ecommerce business and we’re excited to collaborate with the top online shopping destination in Japan.”
Rakuten chairman, president and chief executive Hiroshi “Mickey” Mikitani added: “We are excited to partner with Walmart because of its commitment to creating the best solutions to serve customers with low prices.”
