7. Walmart Marketplace launches pre-owned destination and unboxes new online fulfilment solutions
Walmart Marketplace, which allows third-party sellers to list their items on the US retail giant’s website, is introducing Resold at Walmart, its first digital destination for cross-category and cross-condition pre-owned items from performance managed sellers.
With five million items from more than 1,700 sellers, this offers customers a selection of goods from luxury fashion and electronics to collectibles, sporting goods and more.
According to a press release: “By extending the life of these products, Resold at Walmart aligns with our commitment to make the more sustainable choice the everyday choice and builds on the success of Walmart Restored, a collection of refurbished electronics and small appliances powered by Walmart Marketplace.”
Elsewhere, Walmart Fulfilment Services (WFS) is announcing new ways for sellers to quickly move merchandise across markets and use Walmart to fulfil any e-commerce retail order.
A new Multichannel Solutions programme allows sellers to use WFS to fulfil orders from any e-commerce site via Walmart’s supply chain.
Walmart says that it will fulfil orders and manage returns while offering plain, unbranded packaging, fast, reliable shipping and competitive rates averaging 15% lower than the competition.
The retailer is launching the programme on 10th September in time for holiday deliveries.
Through its new Walmart Cross Border import service for full container load shipments, WFS can now handle transportation of inbound goods from ports of origin in Asia directly to WFS facilities across the US.
Walmart is also opening its carrier network to sellers for full truckload shipments. Sellers using the Walmart Preferred Carrier programme through WFS can now choose to ship a few items or an entire truckload at special rates through carriers vetted by Walmart.
8. San Francisco 49ers and Levi’s Stadium stump up $200m for new venue features including Zippin powered concessions
New Zippin checkout-free concessions are part of a $200 million investment project at Levi’s Stadium, home of the National Football League’s San Francisco 49ers.
This follows the stadium’s ten-year anniversary and comes in preparation for 2026, when it will become the first venue in history to host a FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl in the same year.
On the main concourse, frictionless concession stands will provide an alternative, cashierless way for fans to obtain basic food and beverage.
“Together, with our 49ers Faithful fans, members and corporate and event partners, we have collectively made Levi’s Stadium a world class sports and entertainment destination,” says Brent Schoeb, 49ers Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer.
“Throughout our first decade at Levi’s Stadium, we have cultivated an award winning experience. As we embark on the next decade of 49ers games, Super Bowl 60, FIFA World Cup, concerts and other events, we will continue investing in the fan experience.”
9. Primark extends Tata Consultancy Services retail technology deal to support retailer’s plans for global growth
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has expanded its eight-year partnership with Primark, announcing a new five-year deal involving the retailer’s IT systems and new store openings.
TCS has been working with Primark since 2016.
As well as driving business critical integration programmes and stabilising core platforms for the retailer, it has also improved cybersecurity capabilities, boosting stability and reliability of processes and systems.
As part of the expanded partnership, TCS will look to transform Primark’s technology operating environment to make it more resilient, reliable, and efficient.
It will also work with Primark to adopt a more agile and product-based operating model by enabling automation through intelligent automation and DevOps technologies.
Andrew Brothers, Chief Information Officer, Primark, says: “To help support our ambitious growth plans we’re expanding our partnership with TCS to build a robust, resilient, and reliable IT operating environment to become a more efficient, technology led global organisation with the agility to quickly adapt to changing demands and requirements in a fast-paced industry.”
“Working with TCS will provide us with the ongoing operational stability and accountability needed to support our business to scale. This will allow us to respond to market trends and customer preferences in a timely manner, ensuring that we continue to deliver quality products at the best value for our customers.”
10. Woolworths Group in talks to acquire assets of micro-fulfilment centres firm Takeoff Technologies for $2.5 million
Woolworths Group is working on deal to acquire Takeoff Technologies’ assets for $2.5 million.
The Woolworths Group news was broken on LinkedIn by Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive, who cited unnamed sources.
Ladd commented: “There are still details being worked out. Note: Woolworths DID NOT buy the company Takeoff Technologies – they only acquired its assets. Takeoff Technologies is effectively out of business.”
He added: “I’m not surprised that the Woolworths Group was the winning bidder as they plan on continuing to utilise Takeoff’s micro-fulfilment centres to fulfil online grocery orders.”