BENTONVILLE, Ark. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jetblack, a new shopping service that combines the convenience of eCommerce with the customized attention of a personal assistant, launches in limited release to customers in Manhattan and part of Brooklyn today. Led by Rent the Runway’s visionary Jenny Fleiss, Jetblack offers its members the ability to text nearly any shopping request and Jetblack will find the right products and deliver them the same or next day for no additional charge. The service is the first to launch from Walmart’s technology incubator, Store No 8, where it previously operated in stealth as “Code Eight.”
“We are thrilled to introduce Jetblack to the world today,” says Jenny Fleiss, Co-Founder and CEO of Jetblack. “Consumers are looking for more efficient ways to shop for themselves and their families without having to compromise on product quality. With Jetblack, we have created an entirely new concept that enables consumers to get exactly what they need through the convenience of text messaging and the freedom of a nearly unlimited product catalogue. We are confident this service will make shopping frictionless, more personalized and delightful.”
The idea for Jetblack was developed and refined within Store No 8, which was established by Marc Lore last year shortly after he was named President and CEO of Walmart U.S. eCommerce. Store No 8 has been working to incubate capabilities, powered by emerging technologies, that will transform the future of commerce. Walmart believes one of those capabilities is conversational commerce – or the ability to shop through text messaging, online chat or voice – and Jetblack is the first step along that journey.
Through its curated shopping recommendations sent via text, Jetblack can deliver time-strapped urban parents everything from birthday gifts to household essentials. The service uses a combination of artificial intelligence practices and expertise from professional buyers across the home, health, parenting, fashion and wellness categories, as well as parents themselves. Some everyday essentials may be sourced from Walmart and Jet.com, while other items and specialty products are procured from local brands and shops. Examples have included sourcing a specific beauty cream from a member’s favorite local boutique, curating custom Easter baskets and delivering them once the kids are asleep and rushing beach essentials to a family on vacation. Jetblack launched its closed beta in Manhattan early this year and members say shopping with Jetblack is as easy as texting a close friend who knows your preferences.
“Our eCommerce strategy has been focused on three elements: nailing the fundamentals, leveraging our unique strengths to play offense and innovating for the future,” says Marc Lore. “Through Store No 8 and Jetblack, we’re able to build and test technology that can lay the foundation for capabilities we believe will have a profound impact on how customers may shop five years from now. Powered by conversational commerce, the future of retail will bring convenience and high-touch personalization to the forefront for consumers everywhere and I’m so excited to have Jenny lead the charge.”
As part of its limited release, consumers can visit www.Jetblack.com starting today to learn more and join the waitlist.
About Jetblack
Jetblack – a new members-only shopping service – is the easiest way for busy parents to shop. Powered by expert research and personal recommendations, the service lets members order everything from toiletries and household items, to toys and fashion with a simple text message. Founded by Jenny Fleiss, Jetblack is the first business to emerge from Walmart’s tech incubator, Store No 8. Launching initially in Manhattan, Jetblack is creating the next step in premium retail with a conversational commerce experience that saves members time, money, and energy. You can learn more about Jetblack by visiting Jetblack.com or following via Instagram @Jetblack.
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, nearly 270 million customers and members visit our more than 11,700 stores under 65 banners in 28 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2018 revenue of $500.3 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.