Partnership Blends NBCUniversal’s Iconic Talent and IP with Walmart’s Expansive Product Lines For Livestream Shopping
E! News’ Icons Erin Lim Rhodes and Francesca Amiker Will Host This New Shopping Show Ahead of the Holiday Season on E! Online Platform
New York, New York – December 5, 2022 — Today, NBCUniversal and Walmart announced a new livestream shopping partnership offering consumers entertaining and interactive ways to shop. The partnership launches with a shopping show, “LivE! Deals for the Holiday Season” on E! Online on Thursday, December 8 at 6pm PT/9pm ET and will be hosted by E! News’ Erin Lim Rhodes and Francesca Amiker, featuring the most sought-after holiday gifts within the entertainment and pop culture hotspot of E!.
The half-hour episode will feature an interactive party thrown by the two E! celebrity hosts along with their expert friends: a celebrity chef, fellow mom, and self-care enthusiast. The group will share fun, affordable tips – and the wish list of products from Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer – to make this year’s holidays the most memorable yet. Viewers can ask questions about the products in real time and seamlessly purchase the latest and greatest in cookware, toys, self-care, and more, bringing together the engagement of in-person purchasing with the convenience of online shopping.
“We’re embarking on the next iteration of livestream shopping. With NBCUniversal’s One Platform reach combined with our iconic storytelling, viewers will be entertained by the content, inspired to interact with Walmart’s products, and delighted by the seamless purchasing experience, ultimately deepening the connection between consumers and brands.”
-Evan Moore, Senior Vice President, Commerce Partnerships, NBCUniversal Advertising & Partnerships
“The future of livestream shopping is bright, and we are continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of our customers in new dynamic and immersive environments. This season, we know our customers are seeking holiday inspiration at affordable prices, which is why we’re thrilled to partner with NBCUniversal to create an engaging and seamless shopping experience featuring some of our most popular products at prices that are sure to put viewers in the holiday spirit.”
-Sarah Henry, Head of Content, Influencer and Commerce, Walmart
With the scale of NBCUniversal’s One Platform, “LivE! Deals for the Holiday Season” will be marketed broadly, enticing fans everywhere to head to E! Online to find the newest products to treat their friends, families, or themselves. In addition, the show will be available on demand to stream through Peacock’s Holiday Hub starting December 10th, and remaining available through December 22nd, extending the excitement for fans whenever and wherever they want to watch.
“Our fans at E! always want to be the first to know what is trending in pop culture, including the hottest new products and deals on the market. They have trust in our brand and trust in our talent. Through this partnership with Walmart, we’re providing consumers the opportunity to shop the latest must-haves with a frictionless and fun live experience.”
-Tammy Filler, Executive Vice President and Editor-in-Chief, E! News
This partnership with Walmart builds on the media and technology company’s years-long efforts to blend content and commerce and create unique and engaging experiences for viewers and retailers alike. Most recently, NBCUniversal’s One Platform Commerce capabilities were on full display at BravoCon 2022 – during which tens of thousands of Bravoholics could shop their favorite merch and talent brands at the Bravo Bazaar, powered by NBCUniversal Checkout. Additionally, the virtual Bravo Bazaar – which has quadrupled in size since launching last year in the metaverse – remains an immersive, live shopping destination for fans to tap into for their holiday gifts.
Plus, Walmart has been an early pioneer in social commerce, launching its first shoppable livestream in 2020. Since then, the retailer continues to create first-to-market experiences for its customers, testing and learning across formats, platforms and partners. This year, Walmart has supported more than 350 shoppable livestreams, a 600% increase from last year.
About NBCUniversal
NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a premium ad-supported streaming service. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 230 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites under 46 banners in 24 countries. With fiscal year 2022 revenue of $573 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmart and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.
