Walmart executives are beginning to take a more international approach to growing the retailer’s higher-margin businesses, such as advertising, memberships and its third-party marketplace.On Thursday, Walmart+, the retailer’s paid membership program, launched in Canada — the first time it has been available outside of the U.S. It has some of the same benefits as its U.S. counterpart: unlimited free same-day delivery from stores on orders over $35, a discount on Express Delivery, free shipping with no order minimum from the Walmart Canada website and an ad-supported subscription to the Crave streaming service. The Canadian video platform offers original content, HBO and Max originals, CTV and Noovo series, and blockbuster films, among other content.
“The value proposition of Walmart+ is not limited to one country or location,” Deepak Maini, svp and general manager of Walmart+, told reporters during the company’s annual Associates Week and shareholders’ meeting Thursday. “People want to save money, save time and have more confidence in the retailer and trust for all of their needs.”
The Walmart+ membership program sits under the leadership of Walmart chief growth officer Seth Dallaire, who also oversees the Walmart Connect and Sam’s Club MAP ad businesses, Walmart Data Ventures, and the global third-party marketplace platform. Dallaire, until earlier this year, was chief growth officer just for Walmart U.S.; he now holds the same title for Walmart at a global scale.
