We all know how successful Wal-Mart has been in retailing. No matter what is going on with the economy, Wal-Mart has found a way to be successful. Well, it now appears they are getting aggressive on the internet as well.

In the past, Wal-Mart has had many of their products for sale via their Web site. Today, they announced they have added almost one million new items from outside sellers to their Web site.

The Walmart Marketplace has many product categories, and the retailer chose companies based on their product assortment and customer service. Orders will be placed on walmart.com, and will be managed and supported by the chosen retailer. Wal-Mart will take care of the shipping, handling, and customer service.

Needless to say, Wal-Mart has had great success, and it is safe to say that companies like Amazon and eBay will pay close attention to Wal-Mart’s activities. Can Wal-Mart have the same impact on the internet as they have had on smaller retail stores? Stay tuned.

According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, Jeff Bezos arrived unannounced in Lexington to work this week at the Amazon fulfillment center.  According to the Herald-Leader, Local Amazon employees say Bezos is working in the warehouse with the company’s hourly employees to see what they do and hear their comments about their work.

This is brilliant on two fronts.

1.   It is brilliant for a Leader to roll up their sleeves, and talk to the people who make the Company work.

2.   It would be more brilliant if Bezos came in “under secret” knowing people would talk about it, thus creating a buzz.

Since it would be impossible to keep the fact that  Jeff Bezos arrived in Lexington a secret, one can only assume that this is another feather in the cap of Jeff as a PR genius.

Either way, Bezos shows his brilliance here.