Walmart is planning to launch a platform to promote its own retail system of more than 100,000 third-party sellers. The project is expected to attract media figures with a loyal audience in social networks.
The largest U.S. retailer has reportedly registered the “Walmart Creator” and “Walmart Creator Collective” trademarks that could subsequently accommodate social media consulting services and "promote Walmart brand products via influencers."
As of today, the company cooperates with the media to increase demand for groceries and apparel, as well as to promote the Walmart+ loyalty program. Influencers, at this point, often have large subscription numbers on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. So, recommending retail chain products through affiliate links would allow them to receive a commission of any purchase made.
“Walmart promotion on digital platforms, coupled with advertising activities on social networks interfere with the market and, in particular, have a bearing on the demand for our goods and services,” said Douglas McMillon, the company’s CEO.
“Lots of influencers promote Walmart branded products and receive a percentage of affiliate sales,” noted Sway Group CEO, Daniel Wylie. “Therefore, creating a social media consultancy platform could facilitate the process of creating content by media figures.”