Walmart has promised that its expansion in India will create jobs through development of supply chains, commercial opportunity and direct employment.
As Walmart takes over the Indian e-tail player, Flipkart, it also brings in a lot of apprehensions, both among employees and small businesses that thrive on the online retail platform.
Doug McMillon, Walmart’s president and chief executive officer, said in an official communique, “Our investment will benefit India providing quality, affordable goods for customers, while creating new skilled jobs and fresh opportunities for small suppliers, farmers and women entrepreneurs.”
McMillon also wrote to Flipkart employees saying that the deal was the best decision they had ever made. He wrote, “Our values are very much aligned. Respect for people, striving for excellence, acting with integrity, doing things we can be proud of, and customer focus.”
“It is our intention to just empower you and let you run speed matters, decisiveness matters,” he added.
Walmart, in its official release, has ensured that it will partner to contribute to India. “As Walmart scales in India, the Company will continue to partner to create sustained economic growth across agriculture, food and retail. Future investments will support national initiatives and bring sustainable benefits to the country,” it said in an official communique.
Walmart also promised that its expansion in India will create jobs through development of supply chains, commercial opportunity and direct employment.
It also made a statement that it will support small businesses and ‘Make in India’, through direct procurement as well as increased opportunities for exports through global sourcing and e-commerce.
Among other initiatives, Walmart will partner with kirana owners and members to help modernise their retail practices and adopt digital payment technologies. Walmart also plans to support farmers and develop supply chains through local sourcing and improved market access.
It plans to reduce food wastage by improving waste-management practices and investing in supply chains, especially cold storage.