Walmart’s fulfillment of online orders involves a multifaceted approach. The company utilizes a combination of strategies, including leveraging its own employees for order picking and delivery, partnering with third-party delivery services like DoorDash, and utilizing a network of independent contractors through its Spark Driver platform. This flexible system allows Walmart to adapt to varying order volumes and delivery demands. For example, a customer’s grocery order might be delivered by a Walmart employee, while a larger item like a television could be handled by a third-party logistics provider.
This hybrid model provides significant advantages. It enables Walmart to offer customers convenient and timely delivery options while maintaining control over a portion of the delivery process. Using in-house staff for certain deliveries allows for greater oversight of quality control and customer service. Simultaneously, integrating third-party services and gig economy workers provides scalability and flexibility, particularly during peak periods. This evolving approach reflects the broader trend within the retail industry to diversify fulfillment strategies and meet increasing consumer expectations for fast and reliable delivery.
