Walmart India, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Walmart Inc, opened its first B2B cash- and-carry store ‘Best Price Modern Wholesale Store’ near Autonagar Arch at Gajuwaka here on Wednesday.
This is the fourth such Walmart outlet in the State and 23rd in the country. IT and Panchayat Raj Minister N. Lokesh inaugurated the facility.
“Walmart should promote the local brands from rural areas. For instance, Naandi Foundation is promoting organic coffee from Araku Valley in the tribal areas of Visakhapatnam. Walmart should also encourage such brands to encourage tribal farmers,” Mr. Lokesh said. This is the first store in the State since the Walmart India became a fully owned subsidiary of Walmart Store Inc. The firm plans to further expand its footprint and continue to contribute to the State economy. The new store simultaneously got integrated with the B2B e-commerce platform. It has plans to open at least seven new stores in near future.
Ease of doing business
The store is expected to cater to the needs of under-served small businesses such as kirana store owners and resellers, offices and institutions (O&I) and hotels, restaurants and caterers. It will offer a wide range of quality merchandise and local assortment at ‘Every Day Low Prices,’ convenient payment solutions and door-step delivery to the business members in the city and its adjoining areas.
“We are excited about opening the first B2B cash-and-carry store in Vizag. Our fourth store in Andhra Pradesh reinforces our belief in the ease of doing business under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu,” Walmart India president and CEO Krish Iyer said, adding that Andhra Pradesh was a priority State for the firm. Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao and Visakha South MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar were present on the occasion.