Walmart leverages Facebook to promote local stores

Walmart has partnered with Facebook with the goal of more accurately targeting its loyal customers. The retailer giant already has over 9 million Facebook Likes on its Facebook Page, but it believes they aren't getting the local experience they deserve.

As a result, Walmart has launched more than 3,500 store-specific Facebook Pages and a My Local Walmart Facebook app, which provides locally-relevant information on everything from new electronics to hot Rollbacks. It also allows shoppers to use social media to track exactly what's in their Walmart US stores and when, including:

• New Products: from the latest LED-TV to organic dog food, Walmart customers can now get updates on products available in their local stores.
• Rollbacks: fans will be notified of additional savings for items ranging from popular hair care products to favorite cereals.
• In-Store Events: information will be shared for family-friendly events and product demonstrations. For example, in the next few weeks customers planning their holiday shopping will be able to print a map for their specific store via the app.

To access their local Page, Facebook users need to follow a few steps. You need to visit facebook.com/walmart, click on the My Local Walmart tab, input your zip code, Like their favorite stores, and click I'm Ready to begin receiving the latest local store information. Facebook users will see their News Feeds updated approximately twice a week.

"From the checkout line to our Facebook wall, Walmart continues to engage with and listen to its customers," Stephen Quinn, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Walmart US, said in a statement. "Our innovative approach with Facebook allows us to bridge the gap between local and social, giving millions of customers the personalized shopping experience they expect from Walmart."

"People on Facebook want to connect with the brands that they love," Carolyn Everson, vice president of global marketing solutions at Facebook, said in a statement. "Walmart's new app offers enhanced local interaction at an unprecedented scale to their customers. Walmart continues to put people at the center of their marketing, in this case by bringing relationships to life locally."