Walmart.com has launched a beta test of a free online classified ad service in conjunction with Oodle.com that offers the promise of exposing the retailer to a group of consumers who might not otherwise visit the company's website.
WalMart.com Classifieds, which made its debut last week, is said to have up to 30 million items for sale including cars, pets, foreclosed homes and a variety of other items. The new service seeks to reinforce the retailer's low price image with a message on its homepage that tells visitors that the service is "just another way to save money and live better."
Craig Donato, chief executive of Oodle.com, told Dow Jones, "This is good for Wal-Mart because it provides a different experience for consumers, and it benefits Oodle because it expends the reach of our network."
Wal-Mart is looking to reach five million consumers a month with the new classified service through a variety of sites including lycos.com and military.com.
The new service, which is free to both buyers and sellers, will compete with the likes of Craigslist and eBay's Kijiji for face time with consumers.
Discussion Questions: What will free classifieds do for Walmart.com? Is there any risk for Wal-Mart associated with the free classified service?