Online, Brick & Mortar, and a Part of WalMart's Solution

Two related stories stand out to me as worth reading.  First is a take from 'strategy&' on how online can complement, rather than compete, with brick & mortar retailers.

http://www.retailleader.com/top-story-industry_news-how_online_can_complement_brick_and_mortar-3972.html

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Online commerce should be evaluated for its ability to complement, not compete with, brick-and-mortar retailing, according to a new report from consulting firm Strategy&.

The “2015 Retail Trends” report looks at the growth of online sales, especially in grocery, which it named as one of the three retail sectors where online sales have the least penetration (the other two are cars and gasoline). It noted the 15 percent annual growth rate of online retailing, but added that this will not necessarily come entirely at the expense of conventional retail stores.

Next is news that Walmart is expanding its order and pickup grocery service:

http://www.azcentral.com/story/money/2015/02/10/walmart-tests-grocery-pickup-service/23156605/

Here is a snippet from that piece from Arizona Central:

Three East Valley Walmart stores will allow customers to order groceries online and pick them up at the store for free.

The service begins today at one Walmart Supercenter in Chandler and two in Mesa. It also is offered at select stores in Bentonville, Ark., and Denver.

The service is a convenient option for parents, shoppers with mobility challenges and those who want to shop on their own schedule, Walmart spokesman Ravi Jariwala said. Plus, it offers shoppers a way to save time, he said.

Online grocery items have the same prices as store items, he said. Although there is a $30 minimum-purchase requirement, there are no fees.

Better get in to the swing of things if you are a modern retailer.

The only reason I located the piece on Walmart is because it was on the MorningNewsBeat blog.  I suggest you read his work daily.
http://www.morningnewsbeat.com/

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant