#1 Walmart Labs

Known from the past as a big box store and not a hip one, Walmart actually has its own research lab that is devoted to bringing a bright future to the company. It started out with the purchase of Kosmix, a social media analytics startup and Silicon Valley engineer, Jeremy King’s encouragement to run the place.

Based in San Bruno, California, the labs helped in creating a change for search at Walmart.com. This was based on what customers could expect. If a woman typed ‘flat’, it meant foot wear products rather than a Television screen. It also helped in giving social cues to suggest gifts for customers.

The labs hold a formidable task of placing Walmart in the same plain as Amazon and other e-commerce sites, adding to an experience of a digitalized store.

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