Business | The adman of Arkansas

Walmart’s latest product? Its customers

The retail giant is selling advertisers access to its shoppers

Adverts on screen inside Walmart
Would you like moisturiser with your television?Photograph: Walmart

In the electronics department, every television is tuned to the same channel, showing a commercial for a cosmetics brand. At the end of the aisle is a sponsored stall promoting bags of popcorn. The music wafting through the air on the in-store radio is occasionally interrupted by advertising spots. Even at the checkout, a few final commercials pop up on screen to catch customers before they leave.

This article appeared in the Business section of the print edition under the headline “The adman of Arkansas”

From the May 25th 2024 edition

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