Walmart - A Powerful E-Commerce Giant – Insights and Selling Tips

Did you know that Walmart serves over 37 million customers daily and over 230 million weekly through Walmart.com? In January 2024 alone, Walmart saw an impressive 401.5 million visits.

While Walmart is renowned for its affordability in the retail industry, it is also a formidable contender in the e-commerce arena, consistently rivaling giants like Amazon.

In this article, we dive into essential Walmart facts and statistics to highlight its market dominance, customer demographics, logistics, etc.

Walmart - A Retail Powerhouse

Walmart is one of the most recognizable companies worldwide, holding the titles of the largest company by revenue and the largest private employer.

The company’s story begins humbly. Founded in 1962 by Sam Walton in Rogers, Arkansas, it was initially known as Wal-Mart Discount City. Walton’s vision was to provide affordable products to rural communities, offering a competitive alternative to urban department stores. The rest, as they say, is history. Five years later, the company expanded to 24 stores, generating $12.7 million in sales. By 1970, Walmart had gone public, listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

Walmart’s strategy of offering products at low prices has solidified its position as the go-to shopping destination for budget-conscious consumers.

The company’s history is marked by significant milestones, including opening the first Walmart Supercenter in 1988 and expanding into international markets such as Mexico and China in the early 1990s.

Remarkably, 90% of all Americans live within 15 miles or 12 minutes of a Walmart.

Five years later, the company expanded to 24 stores, generating $12.7 million in sales.

Fascinating Walmart Facts

Here are some more interesting Walmart facts you might not know:

• Walmart’s museum is located at Walton’s 5 & 10 in Bentonville, Arkansas, the first store to bear Sam Walton’s name.
• At one point, Walmart operated the most extensive private satellite network in the U.S., connecting every store with its headquarters in Bentonville.
• Walmart is the largest private employer in the world, with over 2.1 million employees globally.
• Walmart offers unique benefits to its employees, such as the opportunity to enroll in colleges like Purdue or the University of Florida for just $1 a day.
• The retail giant is sued about 5,000 times annually, or roughly once every two hours.

Fun Walmart Facts

• Doug McMillon, Walmart Inc.’s President and CEO, started his career as a teenager unloading trucks.
• About 75% of Walmart’s store management teams began their careers as hourly associates. In 2024, store managers in the U.S. can expect to earn an average of $128,000 a year.
• Walmart has a diverse workforce, with 54% of employees aged 20–30 years and 55% female.
• Millions of customers shop at Walmart daily, and the average store rotates its inventory 27 times a year.
• Despite its vast earnings, Walmart is known for its philanthropy, donating $1.7 billion to various charities in 2023.
• Walmart loses nearly $3 billion annually due to theft and shoplifting.

Top Walmart Statistics

Here are some standout Walmart facts and statistics:

• In the fiscal year 2023, Walmart’s revenue reached $611.3 billion.
• Walmart aims to achieve zero waste to landfill and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18% by 2025.
• The Walmart Marketplace has grown to over 150,000 registered sellers, a 66% increase from the previous year.

The Walmart Marketplace has grown to over 150,000 registered sellers, a 66% increase from the previous year.

General Walmart Stats

• Walmart operates in 27 countries worldwide, but its e-commerce platform is available in select countries: the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, China, and Brazil. However, third-party sellers from around the globe can sell their products on Walmart’s platform.
• In 2023, Walmart’s share of the U.S. e-commerce market was 6.4%, while Amazon held a significant 37.6% market share.

Walmart Sales Statistics

Here are some insights into Walmart’s e-commerce potential based on sales statistics:

• In fiscal year 2023, Walmart’s e-commerce sales surged to $82 billion, showing a 12% year-on-year growth.
• The pandemic period saw a remarkable 74% increase in online sales.
• During the fiscal year 2023, the growth rate of Walmart’s e-commerce sales outpaced its brick-and-mortar store sales.
• Walmart dominated nearly 36% of all U.S. online grocery sales in the second quarter of 2023, outperforming supermarkets.

Walmart Customer Statistics

Let’s delve into some key Walmart customer statistics:

• In 2023, Walmart achieved a consumer satisfaction index score of 70.
• E-commerce customer demographics show that 30% of Walmart.com online shoppers are between 23 and 38, with 50% being married or partnered with children.
• Walmart boasts high customer loyalty, with 92% of all shoppers remaining loyal to the brand.
• Walmart uses data from 245 million customers who visit its 10,900 physical stores and ten live websites worldwide daily to personalize online shopping experiences and optimize in-store processes.
• Walmart gathers approximately 300,000 mentions and tags daily across social media platforms.

Walmart Logistics Statistics

Here are some Walmart logistics statistics and facts highlighting the company’s robust supply chain:

• Walmart operates one of the world’s largest supply chains, with about 210 distribution centers handling nearly 200 trailers daily.
• These centers are massive, with 42 U.S. regional distribution centers significantly more significant than the others.
• Walmart’s shipping fleet includes 80,000 trailers and 9,000 tractors, covering over 1 billion miles annually.
• The company prioritizes sustainability in its supply chain, focusing on reducing packaging waste and using alternative fuel sources.
• Project Gigaton aims to reduce supplier emissions, having avoided 416 million metric tons since 2017.
• Walmart’s distribution centers have advanced warehouse management systems to enhance inventory control and streamline operations.
• Offering fulfillment options like in-store pickup, ship-from-store, and digital pharmacy fulfillment, Walmart provides convenience with 7,000 pickup locations and 5,000 delivery locations globally.

Walmart Product Stats

Here’s a detailed breakdown of vital Walmart product statistics:

• Walmart offers around 160 million items for sale, including in-store and online products.
• Bananas are Walmart’s top-selling product, selling over 1.5 billion pounds annually.
• Groceries account for 55.7% of Walmart’s revenue, followed by general merchandise at 32%, health and wellness at 10.9%, and other products at 1.4%.
• Toilet paper is among Walmart’s most sought-after items, with sales exceeding 330 million weekly rolls.

Walmart Seller Statistics

Walmart Marketplace has emerged as a major player in e-commerce, offering third-party sellers a platform to expand their reach. Here are some key Walmart seller statistics:

• 73% of all Walmart marketplace sellers report profit margins over 20%, with half of all small-to-midsize sellers earning over $100,000 annually.
• Walmart’s marketplace sellers offer over 80 million unique products.
• Walmart’s marketplace contributes to about 6.5% of online sales in the United States.
• Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) fulfills about 25% of sales on Walmart’s Marketplace, charging fees for storage, picking, packing, and shipping.
• Walmart Marketplace charges a referral fee ranging from 6% to 20% of the item’s sale price, depending on the category.

Walmart Advertising Statistics

Here are some interesting Walmart advertising statistics:

• Walmart invested $4.1 billion in advertising in the fiscal year 2023.
• Walmart’s advertising APIs use Pacific Standard Time (PST) when reporting metrics.
• Products appearing first in search results have a click-through rate four times higher and an add-to-cart rate five times higher than lower positions.
• The Walmart Connect Partner Lab collaboration with TikTok has proven highly effective, with engagement rates doubling compared to TikTok benchmarks and a 3.5x increase in attributed return on ad spend (ROAS).

Exclusive tips for e-commerce sellers

1. Optimize Your Product Listings for Walmart Search

Just like Amazon, Walmart has its own search algorithm (Walmart Search). To increase visibility, ensure your product listings are fully optimized:

• Use clear, keyword-rich titles that accurately describe the product.
• Focus on high-quality images and detailed product descriptions.
• Leverage Walmart’s product categories to make your listings easily discoverable.

2. Leverage Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS)

Walmart's Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) can significantly enhance the customer experience by offering faster shipping and increased visibility. Consider utilizing WFS to:

• Benefit from Prime-like shipping times that attract customers.
• Gain better placement in search results as Walmart prioritizes products fulfilled through their service.
• Improve inventory management and reduce fulfillment costs by relying on Walmart’s vast logistics network.

3. Tap into Walmart’s Data-Driven Marketing Tools

Walmart provides powerful data insights for sellers through Walmart Connect. Utilize these tools to refine your marketing strategy:

• Use targeted advertising to reach specific customer segments.
• Take advantage of Product Ads, Search Ads, and Display Ads on Walmart’s platform to boost product visibility.
• Analyze metrics like click-through rates and conversion rates to optimize your ad campaigns and improve ROI.

4. Build a Loyalty Program for Repeat Customers

Walmart shoppers value consistency and convenience. Consider creating a customer loyalty program that encourages repeat business:

• Offer exclusive discounts or promotions for returning customers.
• Provide special perks like free shipping or early access to new products for loyal buyers.
• Leverage Walmart’s Customer Insights to better understand the preferences of your audience and personalize your offers.

5. Embrace Walmart’s Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers. Align your business with Walmart’s sustainability goals to attract eco-conscious buyers:

• Adopt eco-friendly packaging to reduce waste.
• Consider partnering with suppliers who also have sustainability certifications.
• Participate in Walmart’s Project Gigaton to lower emissions and promote your eco-friendly practices to shoppers.

6. Offer Competitive Pricing with Dynamic Pricing Strategies

Pricing can make or break a sale. On Walmart, competitive pricing is essential:

• Use dynamic pricing tools to adjust your prices in real time based on market conditions and competitor prices.
• Offer bundles or discounts for bulk purchases to increase average order value.
• Make sure to factor in Walmart’s referral fees and fulfillment costs when setting prices to maintain healthy margins.

7. Engage with Walmart’s Customer Support Resources

Walmart offers sellers several resources for improving customer satisfaction:

• Customer service tools like order management and return handling can help resolve issues quickly.
• Stay on top of customer reviews and feedback, responding promptly to negative reviews to show commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Utilize Walmart’s training webinars and seller forums to stay informed about platform updates and best practices.

8. Expand to International Markets via Walmart’s Global Reach

Walmart operates in several international markets, including Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the UK. If your product is suitable for global customers, consider expanding:

• Research the specific market demands and adjust your listings accordingly.
• Use multi-currency and multi-language features to localize your listings.
• Understand the shipping and import/export regulations in each country to avoid logistical issues.

9. Maximize Your Social Media Presence with Walmart Connect and TikTok

Social media is a powerful tool to drive traffic to your Walmart listings. Leverage Walmart Connect's collaboration with TikTok and other platforms:

• Create interactive video content that resonates with your target audience on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
• Engage with influencers in your niche who can help promote your products on social media.
• Use shoppable posts to directly link to your Walmart product pages, increasing conversion rates.

10. Stay Ahead of Seasonal Trends

E-commerce is often driven by seasonal trends and holidays. Plan ahead to take advantage of these:

• Stock up on seasonal items and prepare for holiday sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school promotions.
• Use Walmart’s seasonal advertising campaigns to get more visibility during peak shopping times.
• Offer exclusive promotions or limited-time discounts to entice shoppers during major events.

By incorporating these tips into your strategy, sellers can make the most of Walmart’s marketplace and significantly boost their sales. Whether through optimization, customer loyalty, or leveraging advanced advertising tools, these actions can help sellers thrive in the competitive e-commerce environment Walmart provides.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Walmart’s impressive growth, logistics capabilities, and advertising strategies can help sellers craft an effective e-commerce strategy. Whether you’re exploring the potential of the Walmart Marketplace or considering collaborative ads with TikTok, leveraging these facts and statistics can provide valuable insights for your business.

Get Started with eMarspro

eMarspro is a team of experienced e-commerce professionals dedicated to empowering Walmart sellers. We offer Walmart seller account management services designed to optimize your product listings, manage advertising campaigns, and drive sustainable growth. With our expertise, you can focus on what you do best while we handle the complexities of Walmart marketplace.

Partner with eMarspro to take your Walmart business to the next level. Whether you’re trying to improve your organic ranking, manage your Walmart advertising campaigns, or build a strong brand presence, we have the expertise and resources to help you succeed.

Contact us today to learn more about our Walmart consulting services and how we can assist you in achieving your Walmart sales goals. Let eMarspro be your trusted partner in navigating the competitive Walmart? marketplace and driving sustainable growth for your business.