Walmart sees Indian market spark global improvements and innovation

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Aug 27, 2021

Walmart is using its retail experiences in the Indian market to improve its business operations in other international markets, including in Mexico and China, to drive innovation.

“We learn every day from the teams in India and we're really grateful for the support that they give to the global business as well,” said Walmart’s international president and CEO Judith McKenna at the ‘Converge@Walmart’ event on August 26, the Press Trust of India reported. Walmart is harnessing the, “spirit of innovation and creative problem solving” of its India team and applying it to its operations in other territories, according to McKenna. 
 
“We've learned a lot to help us make improvements, not only in our existing businesses, but also give us new business ideas which we are starting to apply around the world,” said McKenna. “It goes without saying that India is also being an amazing source of talent for us, which is helping us build a global business.”

Walmart used the data algorithmic approach of its India technology team to examine sale forecasting in Mexico and China. The business also used India insights to develop ways to reduce waste in its fresh produce segment, said McKenna. 
 
Walmart operates in India through its wholesale business and through e-commerce giant Flipkart and its fashion arm Myntra.

In early August, Walmart announced that its operations in India as well as China and Mexico had significantly contributed to international business growth of 13% in its recent financial quarter with e-commerce sales continuing to rise.