Wal-Mart Stores Inc is merging an Arkansas-based division that develops computer systems for its stores with a fast-growing technology unit in Silicon Valley, aiming to hasten its move to compete in the online era.
The information systems division, based at the world’s largest retailer’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, will combine with the zWalmartLabs unit next month, creating a new group called Walmart Technology, a company spokesman said on Friday. The group will include about 8,000 people.
Customers have grown more tech savvy, and they expect retailers to have technology that helps them shop more effectively whether they are using a PC or mobile phone or picking up an item at a store.