Walmart and Rakuten Open First Walmart E-Commerce Store in Japan

Tuesday, Dec. 11th, 2018

by Anne Allen

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TOKYO, JAPAN - If you haven’t yet heard, the latest word is e-commerce, and it isn’t going anywhere any time soon. If anything, interest in e-commerce is only ramping up, as Walmart and Rakuten, Inc. officially opened the first Walmart e-commerce store in Japan. Titled the “Walmart Rakuten Ichiba Store,” the flagship store delivers Walmart’s U.S. branded products to Japanese consumers. It will initially offer approximately 1,200 products from a range of brands—orders will be fulfilled in the United States and air freighted to Japan.

“Walmart is committed to providing a trusted retail experience in Japan and we are always looking for new ways to better serve consumers here as their lifestyles and needs change,” said Nathan Kring, Senior Vice President of Walmart International, in a press release. “Through Seiyu, we have an in-depth understanding of this fast-changing market. The carefully curated assortment being offered on our flagship store reflects this insight and our ongoing dedication to Japanese shoppers.”

Walmart and Rakuten, Inc. officially opened the first Walmart e-commerce store in Japan

According to that press release, the digital store is part of a partnership between Walmart and Rakuten announced in January of this year. By leveraging both of their strengths, the two companies seek to expand consumer reach in both Japan and the United States. Walmart plans to expand its product range and add new product categories from its international assortment to the Rakuten Ichiba store. Walmart’s Japanese subsidiary, Seiyu GK, will provide customer support for the store.

“We are very excited to be working with Walmart to bring a diverse product lineup of American brands at affordable prices to Rakuten Ichiba users in Japan,” commented Shunsuke Yazawa, Executive Officer and Vice President of Marketplace Business at Rakuten, Inc. “Through the opening of the Walmart Rakuten Ichiba Store, we hope to make Rakuten Ichiba an even more attractive destination for online shoppers in Japan.”