Walmart Goes Local in Social Media Efforts

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Responding to Facebook fans who want an increased level of local involvement from the chain, Walmart has launched more than 3,500 store-specific Facebook pages that are tied into the new "My Local Walmart" Facebook application. The app aims to provide area-specific information while solidifying the mega-retailer's connection with shoppers in the communities its stores serve.

The app enables U.S. shoppers to use social media to track exactly what's in their local Walmart store and when, including new products, price rollbacks and in-store events.

"From the checkout line to our Facebook wall, Walmart continues to engage with and listen to its customers," said Stephen Quinn, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Walmart U.S. in Bentonville, Ark. "Our innovative approach with Facebook allows us to bridge the gap between local and social, giving millions of customers the personalized shopping experience they expect from Walmart."

To access their "My Local Walmart" page, Facebook users can visit www.facebook.com/walmart, and click on the "My Local Walmart" tab. They will be prompted to input their ZIP code, "Like" their favorite stores and click "I'm Ready" to begin receiving local store information. Facebook users' newsfeeds will be updated about twice weekly.

"People on Facebook want to connect with the brands that they love," said Carolyn Everson, vice president of global marketing solutions at Palo Alto, Calif.-based Facebook. "Walmart's new app offers enhanced local interaction at an unprecedented scale to their customers. Walmart continues to put people at the center of their marketing, in this case by bringing relationships to life locally."

Walmart and Facebook will continue to test, improve and add more features to the "My Local Walmart" app.

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