BusinessMar 18, 2024
More than just groceries: Now Walmart is selling its software
Corporate Expansion
A.M. Steinbach
Walmart isn’t just selling groceries and clothes anymore — it’s also selling software to logistics giants. The company now offers its Route Optimization tool, which helps businesses map efficient delivery routes. It saved Walmart over $90M in a year as part of a surprising embrace of SaaS (“software as a service”).
- Walmart’s move into software marks a diversification strategy, as the retail giant aims for faster-growing businesses and higher profit margins, as reported by Bloomberg.
- The introduction of Route Optimization, Store Assist, and its AI-powered search also positions Walmart as a first-mover in AI — boosting efficiency for both shoppers and retailers.
Thinking beyond retail: Earlier this month, Walmart acquired Vizio in an effort to enter the connected TV space. Walmart sees significant profit potential in this area, particularly through advertising across its properties. Last year, its ad business grew by 28% to $3.4B — a far cry from Walmart’s retail numbers but indicating a promising segment that should grow in the coming years.
