We want to lead next retail disruption, says Walmart Labs India head

NEW DELHI: The covid-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains around the world and highlighted the need to transform traditional supply chain models. Walmart Labs, the technology arm of the US retail giant helped its retail stores in India, and globally, maintain operations with limited disruption. In an interview, Walmart Labs country head and senior vice-president – technology Hari Vasudev tells Mint how technology is helping the nearly 60-year-old company pivot in the post-covid world. Edited excerpts:

1. How are you adapting to the new normal aat Walmart?

Walmart has remained resilient to the impact of covid-19 in the last few months. Our technology teams here in India are moving our agenda forward on ‘future of work’. Our focus now is on building and deploying technology to bend the cost curve for the company while ensuring speed, quality and simplicity. The current transformation in customer segments and purchase preferences due to the pandemic has shown us the need for rapid digitization in the retail industry.