While discount shoppers know that they can always get a great deal at Walmart, most don’t go there to buy refrigerators or washing machines. The Walmart Corporation has cornered the kitchen appliance market, but executives believe that they will be able to increase sales by competing with companies such as Home Depot and Sears.
Because Walmart offers a unique home delivery program called ‘Site to Store,’ the company will need to think strategically in order to avoid high shipping costs. Ordinarily, online shoppers are able to order items that local Walmart stores do not have in stock. These items are then shipped to the store of their choosing, where consumers can pick them up without incurring any shipping fees.
The new program launched at four Walmart stores in the Dallas area last week, and the company plans on expanding within the next few months. Depending on the way that the public responds, Walmart may end up selling large scale appliances across the nation. Because Walmart offers an in-store credit card, loyal shoppers will have the ability to divert payments for a year. Other stores that sell large appliances typically make it more difficult for consumers with low credit scores to qualify.
Walmart already sells everything from groceries to bedding, and now they just may be able to corner the large appliance sector. The only thing that stands in the way of Walmart’s domination is public perception about the quality of their retail goods. Walmart has pledged to stock nothing but name brand appliances.
