Walmart Embraces Convenience: Customers Moving Towards More Frequent and Smaller Orders

Walmart’s CFO revealed that their customers, particularly those who are members of Walmart+, are starting to shop more frequently and place smaller orders, similar to Amazon shoppers. This shift in behavior aligns with the trend towards more delivery over pickup and reflects customers’ desire for convenience.

Walmart’s CEO also discussed how they use data analytics to gain insights into shopper behavior, particularly in the grocery sector. By analyzing the types of items in customers’ baskets, they can better understand their intentions and shopping preferences. It was noted that it takes the average shopper four orders to fully embrace delivery, after which there is increased usage and frequency. This reveals how customers’ shopping behavior changes over time and highlights the importance of convenience in the shopping experience.

Amazon has dominated e-commerce with millions of tiny orders, as the typical shopper makes 72 purchases per year spending $37 per order. In contrast, Walmart shoppers tend to shop less frequently but spend more per transaction and prefer in-store shopping. However, recent data shows that Walmart+ members, who spend twice as much, are starting to resemble Amazon shoppers by placing orders of just one or two items. This shift towards smaller baskets and more frequent orders aligns with customers’ desire for convenience and a trend towards more delivery over pickup.