Photo: Advance Auto Parts
Walmart and Advance Auto Parts have announced a strategic partnership between the two chains to create an auto specialty store on walmart.com in 2019.
The new online store will sell common auto parts and accessories available at Walmart’s stores and its 2,500 Walmart Auto Care Centers.
To be launched in phases, the venture will also feature value-added content and product information from Advance. The two retailers plan to offer home delivery and same-day pickup at both retailers’ stores. Installation of some parts will also be offered as part of the service.
"This year, we've been incredibly focused on building our offering on Walmart.com to ensure we have the specialty assortment that our customers are looking for," said Phillip Oaks, vice president and group general manager, retail merchandising, Walmart e-commerce, in a statement. "This comprehensive partnership will enhance almost every aspect of the automotive customer shopping experience — from the product offering online to fulfillment capabilities.
Moody’s lead retail analyst Charlie O’Shea called the deal a positive for the two chains.
“This alliance will provide Advance with a broader base for its products, with a partner in Walmart that is rapidly accelerating its online presence, and provides Walmart and its customers with a deeper assortment of auto parts," said Mr. O'Shea in an email to RetailWire. "The auto parts sector continues to benefit from favorable industry dynamics, including increasing age of vehicles in the U.S., which adds to the mutually-beneficial nature of this strategic tie-up."