Marketing 4 Business & Marketing Essay Research Paper

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By maintaining its commitment to helping consumers live better and save money “anytime and anywhere,” Walmart has remained even more resilient during Covid-19. It has not only ensured the flow of essential products to its customers but also supported its staff and community (Walmart, np). However, like any other global retailer, Walmart has experienced problems including severe disruptions, variations in demand, and supply during this pandemic. Its ability to adapt, coupled with deeply held principles, philosophies, and management practices, have helped the company emerge successful even during this crisis. Also, its essential nature of business and online proposition has effectively earned the company a better edge to uphold demand amid the pandemic.
Over the past years, Walmart has been able to expand its operations across the world. The corporation operates in twenty-seven nations with approximately 11,500 stores and e-commerce websites in ten states. Besides, Walmart is the world's largest employer, with nearly 2.2 million employees, with 1.5 million being from the United States (Hunt et al, 25). Even during this coronavirus period, the company has offered employment opportunities to 50,000 contrary to other organizations that have been reducing their workforce (Walmart, np). Its enormous success has become a desire for significant businesses across the world. Similarly, its annual revenue of over $300 billion has placed the organization as one of the world’s valuable brands (Walmart, np). The company generic and supply chain strategy has provided a sustainable competitive advantage comprising reduced inventory and carrying costs, broad product portfolio, and competitive pricing.
Like other global retailers, the role Walmart has played during this coronavirus crisis cannot be overlooked. Ranging from supporting the surrounding communities, Walmart has empowered its team to work incredibly hard to deliver essential products during this pandemic. For instance, through its foundation, the corporation announced a commitment of $25 million in March towards strengthening the communities and associates (Walmart, np). In the wake of the coronavirus, citizens, particularly in the United States, started “panic buy” in fear of uncertainty and lockdowns. This created increased demands, especially for the essential goods in retail stores leading to stock-outs. As such, customers switched between brands intending to purchase more products.
Despite the reduced performance in the past few years, Walmart’s investment has finally paid off handsomely during this period of covid-19. Its online sales in the united rose with 74% as customers stocked up for essential products such as food, hygiene products, and home furnishings. Walmart improved performance is evident with the rise in shares by 2%. The online surge lifted overall comparable sales, including sales at stores open within one year amounted to a 10% increase - Walmart’s best performance in almost 20 years (Wahba, np). Their presence and commitment during this pandemic have solidified in their shopper's minds as a viable alternative to Amazon.com who has been lagging with delivery time. The company's broad network of stores has been a success during this period against its competitors.
Walmart has benefited from its strong digital sales during this ...