Walmart takes its marketplace north of the border

Walmart is expanding its online breadth in Canada.



The discount giant expanded its global online marketplace to its Canadian e-commerce store, Walmart.ca, a move that doubles the site’s online product assortment. The retailer expects this number to quadruple by the end of this year, according to Walmart.



Through the expansion, Canadian shoppers now have access to 27 third-party sellers, ranging from outside brands to small businesses that feature merchandise across the home, baby, apparel, toys, and sporting goods categories. Walmart selected each seller based on their online reputation and customer service, as well as their ability to satisfy its Canadian customers’ demand for a broader selection of quality products.



“Our goal is simple – to make shopping easier and more convenient for our customers,” said Rick Neuman, executive VP, technology & e-commerce, Walmart Canada. “The expansion through the Walmart.ca marketplace allows us to rapidly grow our product assortment through sellers we’ve chosen specifically to address the needs of our customers.”



Walmart Canada will continue to invite other sellers to join the site in the coming months, according to the retailer.



The move takes a jab at its rival, Amazon. While the online giant continues to expand its physical presence— especially through its recent acquisition of Whole Foods Market — Walmart is fighting back with its own strategic acquisitions that continue to bolster its digital reach and online product assortment. For example, the retailer acquired jet.com in September, followed by Shoebuy in December. In February, it acquired outdoor apparel retailer Moosejaw, followed by ModCloth in March. Earlier in June, the chain announced it would purchase Bonobos for $310 million in cash.