Store No 8, a technology incubator of Walmart, has launched a shopping service, Jetblack, to enable customers to shop through text messaging.
Jetblack has been designed to help integrate e-commerce with a customised personal assistant, enabling it to offer product recommendations and deliver them to customers.
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It sources products such as everyday essentials from Walmart and Jet.com, as well as other items and speciality products from local brands and shops. The service is available with same and next day options without any additional charges.
The new service leverages artificial intelligence combined with expertise from professional buyers across the home, health, parenting, fashion and wellness categories to offer product recommendations.
Jetblack co-founder and CEO Jenny Fleiss said: “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 personalised and delightful.”
The company has already tested a beta version of the service in Manhattan early this year and, following its success, a limited release of the service has been launched to customers in Manhattan and part of Brooklyn.
Walmart US e-commerce president and CEO Marc Lore established Store No 8 last year, in a move to develop solutions such as shopping through text messaging, online chat or voice.
