Walmart invites Indian sellers to expand overseas via its US marketplace

Walmart, the world's largest retailer, is now accepting applications from chosen Indian vendors to join Walmart Marketplace, a curated sellers network that serves over 120 million US customers each month. This effort builds on Walmart's 20-year relationship with Indian exporters. Walmart has set an ambitious target of exporting $10 billion from India each year by 2027, making it one of the company's top sourcing markets.

Walmart is looking for new Indian merchants as part of a global push to entice overseas sellers and increase the Marketplace's product offerings. Walmart Fulfillment Services will allow selected sellers to access Walmart's warehouse and delivery infrastructure in the United States, as well as platform features to assist them simplify their operations and manage promotions and feedback. Walmart also helps its Marketplace vendors succeed in the United States by sharing US customer insights, worldwide supply chain practises, and business planning techniques.

"Walmart is now offering Indian entrepreneurs the option to advance their export goals as Marketplace sellers, building on our long history of relationship with Indian exporters," said Michelle Mi, Walmart Vice President, Emerging Markets and Business Development – Global Sourcing. "They will be able to take use of our global supply chain infrastructure and receive assistance in reaching millions of daily customers in the United States."

Flipkart's chief corporate affairs officer, Rajneesh Kumar, believes that having easy access to global consumers can be revolutionary for Indian sellers. "As they take on the world, outstanding 'Make in India' firms can engage with Walmart to develop their worldwide networks, learn the best export practises, and diversify their product categories," Kumar said.

In India, a specialised Cross Border Trade team has been established to assist sellers with their onboarding and growth on the platform. It assists local sellers in complying with applicable international regulations and Walmart Responsible Sourcing standards, as well as developing new product lines and improving their packaging, marketing, supply chain management, and other capabilities in order to upgrade their operations for export success.

Delphi Leather India, Mahi Exports, Touchstone Gems & Jewelry, and Welspun are among the pioneering Indian companies now flourishing on Walmart Marketplace.

"I am pleased by the possibility for my fellow female entrepreneurs from India as I promote Touchstone to a bigger U.S. audience on Walmart Marketplace," said Archana Garodia Gupta, Founder of Touchstone Gems & Jewelry. "The global expansion of e-commerce provides an opportunity for women to achieve their own goals of financial independence, support their families and communities, and contribute to India's long-term success as international sellers."

Walmart's efforts to promote small sellers in India through its company are being bolstered by the Marketplace opportunity. Walmart and Flipkart's Walmart Vriddhi supplier development programme is assisting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with export goals in preparing to engage in the global supply chain. It assists MSME sellers in developing appropriate competencies, such as a digital supply chain, in order to start selling internationally.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.