What: Walmart launches Multichannel Solutions, allowing third-party sellers to use its supply chain for any e-commerce site.

Why it is important: The move could reshape how third-party sellers manage their supply chains across multiple platforms, impacting the entire e-commerce ecosystem.

Walmart is set to launch Multichannel Solutions, a program allowing third-party sellers to utilize its supply chain for fulfilling orders and managing returns from any e-commerce site. Starting September 10, this service will be available to all U.S. marketplace sellers, offering both expedited and standard shipping options. The program aims to provide a cost-effective fulfilment solution, with rates averaging 15% lower than competitors. Alongside Multichannel Solutions, Walmart announced several other fulfillment-related initiatives. These include Walmart LocalFinds, enabling direct pickup and delivery from sellers' physical stores to local customers, launching in Atlanta and Dallas this fall. Additionally, the company is opening its carrier network to sellers for full truckload shipments through the Preferred Carrier program.

These new offerings expand Walmart's existing suite of supply chain services for sellers and intensify its competition with Amazon in the e-commerce logistics space. While there are some initial limitations to the Multichannel Solutions program, such as product eligibility and shipping location restrictions, it represents a significant step in Walmart's strategy to provide comprehensive supply chain solutions for third-party sellers across multiple e-commerce platforms.

Walmart to help sellers fulfill orders from third-party e-commerce sites