Seeking to feed consumers’ hunger for value along with their desire to help save the planet, Walmart has launched Walmart Restored. The new program, designed to help shoppers discover “like-new” refurbished products, is available online and will be available in select stores this fall.
The Walmart Restored products, which include items from well-known brands including Apple, Samsung and KitchenAid, all have been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned, and the retailer offers a 90-day free returns policy to help boost shopper confidence.
“At Walmart, we already work with sellers and suppliers who are committed to refurbishing top-quality products and preparing them for a new home at a fraction of typical costs,” wrote Michael Mosser, General Manager – Walmart Marketplace in a company blog post. “Whether they visit the Walmart Restored section of Walmart.com or see items pop up in search, it has never been easier for customers to shop for quality refurbished items.”
Many retailers have introduced recommerce initiatives in recent months. Product shortages due to ongoing supply chain challenges have been one motivator; another has been the desire to keep previously unsaleable items from being burned or ending up in landfills. Some of the most notable programs include:
- Nike Refurbished, which launched in April 2021;
- The Timberland ReCircled program, which includes a refurbishment option, began in July 2021; and
- eBay’s expansion of its refurbished goods offering in November 2021.
