Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN): Is Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT) Trying To Catch Up?

In its latest announcement, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) has explained its four-pronged plan to overhaul its online presence and make its mark in the online shopping arena. Money.com reported about Walmart’s strategy, saying that, “Besides suggesting items based on previous purchases, Walmart’s site will be customized based on your location. It hopes a refined search will get you to the product you want faster. And the checkout process is also designed to be faster.”

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is planning to exploit its size advantage by appealing to the human need for instant gratification. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) might have scored one over with its ‘one day shipping’ promise, but would you really want to shell out $100 for Amazon Prime, when you have the option to pick up your order at a store near you?

In the provisions and grocery front, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) has an inherent advantage as most of the consumers prefer picking up their groceries rather than having them delivered. Self pick up offers them a chance to get some items they might have forgotten to add while placing the order. Besides, this is a pay-by-cash setup by default.

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is not new to challenges posed by such competitors vying for its place in the eCommerce arena. When Alibaba.com Limited’s 11 Main opened for business earlier this year, there were speculations if the Chinese e-retailer might possibly take over Amazon and eBay Inc (NASDAQ:EBAY). Money.com’s senior editor Kristen Bellstorm removed all suspicions by saying, “Can you take advantage of Amazon’s free shipping options? If so, make the Seattle-based retailer your first click.” All said and done, if Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is planning to take on Amazon in the latter’s home ground, it better have some tricks up its sleeve.

Disclosure: none