[Asia Economy Reporter Joeslgina] Samsung Electronics will supply Galaxy smartphones in bulk to 740,000 employees of Walmart, the largest retail distributor in the United States. This is the largest scale of Samsung Electronics' smartphone business-to-business (B2B) transaction to date.
On the 3rd (local time), Walmart announced through an official press release that it will provide Samsung Electronics' 'Galaxy XCover Pro' smartphones and cases free of charge to 740,000 employees in the United States by the end of this year.
The specific contract scale was not disclosed. Based on the number of units, 740,000 units will be provided to about half of Walmart's employees in the U.S. (approximately 1.6 million), making it the largest B2B smartphone contract Samsung Electronics has ever signed. The product is currently sold on Samsung Electronics' website for $499.99.
Additional contracts are expected in the future. Walmart explained, "We conducted initial tests with new smartphones at the beginning of the year and received positive feedback," adding, "We will expand the tests and provide employees with the best tools to perform their duties."
The Galaxy XCover Pro, launched by Samsung Electronics targeting the B2B market, is optimized for use in industrial sites such as distribution, logistics, and manufacturing. It supports barcode scanners as well as walkie-talkie functions. It serves as a kind of 'digital transformation' tool that replaces walkie-talkies and other devices used by field workers.
The 'Ask Sam' feature is also installed. Sam is a voice-operated work assistant that helps employees find products in stores or answer customers' questions. A security solution that can remotely power off the device in case of loss is also included.
In this regard, Walmart also unveiled the 'Me@Walmart' application that employees can use on their work Galaxy smartphones. Within a few months, features using augmented reality (AR) technology will be added, such as quickly checking product details when moving inventory items from the warehouse to the store.
Walmart explained, "If employees wish, they can use the smartphone personally after work," adding, "The security program ensures that the company cannot access personal data."
Samsung Electronics confirmed the contract, stating, "By the end of the year, half of Walmart's employees in the U.S. will be using this smartphone."
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