The MFC is a section of the store that has its own storage and retrieval system called Alphabot. Walmart is betting that digitizing fulfillment and integrating its supply chain assets will result in improved customer satisfaction and more employee opportunities, the retailer said in a press release.
Ryan Simpson, store manager at Store 100said, “This new order fulfillment system is truly groundbreaking. It not only enhances the customer experience through faster, more accurate online order fulfillment, but also provides us with the platform to grow our business in the future.”
Walmart has inaugurated the Market Fulfillment Center (MFC) in Arkansas, marking a strategic shift to using stores as fulfillment hubs. The MFC, equipped with its own system called Alphabot, will enable faster and more accurate handling of online orders. This move is expected to improve customer satisfaction and the in-store experience.
The facility enables the store to handle a significantly higher number of daily orders, with faster fulfillment and fewer replacements. Walmart+ members enjoy free unlimited delivery, while in-store employees can focus on improving the personalized shopping experience.
“I am confident that the items our employees are looking for will be available when a customer wants them. It is gratifying to know that our team is providing great service to our customers,” said Gilbert Giron, a digital MFC team leader at Walmart.
Prathibha Rajashekar, senior vice president of innovation and automation at Walmart, said: “We are constantly innovating for an even better shopping experience, on every platform. We strive to help our customers and employees live better lives by using technology to save time, leading to better experiences for everyone, no matter how they shop.”
The Bentonville MFC is the first of its kind in Arkansas and the second nationwide, following a proof of concept at Store #2142 in Salem, New Hampshire. Walmart has plans to roll out more MFCs in select stores across the country in the coming years.
Fiber2Fashion News Desk (KD)