Wal-Mart May Copy Amazon's Fulfillment Program

Wal-Mart might be taking a page out of Amazon.com's playbook. EcommerceBytes reports the big-box retailer is looking into offering a fulfillment program for third-party merchants on its marketplace. Tri Huynh, director of business development for Walmart Marketplace, talked about the possibility at Shop.org, saying the company is in an "exploratory stage." Currently, merchants must be invited or submit a request to sell on the Wal-Mart's marketplace. Wal-Mart is looking to add merchants with a solid track record on online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon.

Total Retail's Take: I'm not surprised that Wal-Mart is following in Amazon's footsteps. The company is aggressively trying to ramp up its e-commerce efforts, starting with the acquisition of Jet.com earlier this year. Currently, Wal-Mart is in search of marketplace sellers of private-label products and electronics, apparel and accessories, and home and sporting goods. Wal-Mart also stated (in so many words) that it will be focused on a vigorous vetting process, no doubt learning from Amazon's recent mistakes with counterfeit product.