Walmart reportedly fields outside interest in JetBlack

Is Walmart thinking of divesting JetBlack?

Walmart has received interest from outside parties about its members-only personal shopping service, JetBlack, which could ultimately lead to partnerships, a spin-off or a sale of the online business, reported Bloomberg.

JetBlack was the first business to launch from Walmart’s technology incubator, Store No.8. It also marked Walmart’s first foray into conversational commerce. The service, which went live in May 2018, allows members, who pay a $50 monthly fee, to order items over the phone via text message, with products delivered the same or next day for no extra charge. It also give members access to personal shoppers who will offer gift recommendations if requested and such perks as gift wrapping. (While some everyday essentials may be sourced from Walmart and Jet.com, other items and specialty products sold via JetBlack are procured from local brands and specialty shops.)

To date, the JetBlack platform is live only in the New York area.

Read the full story from Bloomberg here.