The Partnership Economy

CHAPTER 4Engage Customers Wherever They Are on Their Customer Journeys

“Partnerships are key for us,” explains Aldo Bukit, associate director of marketing, affiliates, and APIs at Walmart eCommerce. “We need them. We cannot fight this alone.”

Walmart is the largest retailer, and the second-largest online seller, in the world. The company helps people around the world save money and live better. Each week, over 275 million customers and members visit their more than 11,300 stores in 27 countries and eCommerce websites.

This retailer is all about customer experience. “Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for customers to shop at Walmart, whether it's from the convenience of their couch using their laptop, or at the coffee shop on their phone, or on their way home from work, stopping by our stores to pick up groceries for dinner,” Bukit explains. “We offer tens of millions of items online for customers to ship directly to their homes or to a nearby store where they can pick them up.” Walmart+, the company membership plan, which provides customers with unlimited same-day delivery, expedited two-hour delivery, and discounts at Walmart gas stations, is further upping its game.

Walmart works with key partners to initiate and drive engagement across its myriad shopper journeys. “We recognize the value and the importance of our partners to our business,” Bukit explains. “They have brought so much value to our customers—they are closer to our customers' daily lives—and to Walmart. ...