Walmart opens first Market Fulfilment Centre in Arkansas, powered by Alphabot system
Walmart has opened a Market Fulfilment Centre (MFC) in Arkansas at Store 100 located at 406 S Walton Blvd in Bentonville.
This is built within the store and is powered by a proprietary storage and retrieval system, named Alphabot.
Walmart says that fulfilment through digitisation and connecting its store and supply chain assets end to end will “transform fulfilment. And along with it, customer satisfaction and associate opportunity”.
“This new order fulfilment system is truly game changing,” says Ryan Simpson, the store manager at Store 100.
“Not only does it enhance the customer experience through quicker, more accurate online order fulfilment, it also provides us the runway to continue growing our business now and in the future.”
“I love the MFC. The dedicated space allows us to concentrate on picking items for our online customers,” says Gilbert Giron, an MFC digital team lead at Walmart.
“I feel confident that the items our associates are looking for are going to be there when a customer wants them. That makes me feel good, because I know our team is providing our customers with great service."
“We’re innovating toward an even better shopping experience every day, and on every platform,” says Prathibha Rajashekar, Senior Vice President of Innovation and Automation at Walmart.
“To help our customers and associates live better, we’re using technology to help them save time. That leads to improved experiences for everyone, no matter how they shop – and moves our entire business forward in the process.”
The MFC in Bentonville, Arkansas is the first in the state. It’s the second nationwide, with the first being a proof of concept located at Store #2142 in Salem, New Hampshire.
Walmart plans to continue opening MFCs in select stores in the coming years.
2022 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Walmart emerged victorious at the 2022 RTIH Innovation Awards in December, picking up the Most Innovative Global Retailer gong.
Our 2022 winners were revealed at a sold out event in central London on Tuesday, 6th December.
Our judging panel said: “From drone deliveries to stocking up customers’ fridges after gaining entry to their home through smart locks, Walmart is taking customer experience and convenience to the next level.”
RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, said: “Innovation and technology play a critical role in the success of the retail sector, so it is great to recognise standout examples through our awards.”
“Thanks to all those who entered the 2022 event. We received a record number of submissions and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.”
“Congratulations to our 2022 retail technology hall of fame entrants.”
The 2023 RTIH Innovation Awards are now open for entries. For further information, click here.
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