Numerous Factors In Play As Walmart India’s Sales Plummet

Sales at Walmart’s Indian business unit dropped 32 percent in 2014, as the company investigates allegations of corrupt practices. Also, the company ended its relationship with Bharti, to which it supplied nearly a third of its merchandise, in 2013, losing a major source of revenue. Walmart has also put a hold on new store construction. The slide in sales may also be due to other factors, such as more aggressive marketing and store expansion by competitor Metro AG. In addition, Walmart’s stores tend to be located on the outskirts of cities, while competitors like Metro AG are closer to urban consumers. Lastly, local e-commerce companies have been discounting heavily.