@WalmartLabs, Wal-Mart’s e-commerce unit, has acquired Small Society, a company that develops apps for smart phones.  The company developed apps for the Democratic National Committee, Starbucks and Zipcar. In fact, Wal-Mart focused on the Zipcar app in its blog post, providing a glimpse into application it might be interested in for its own.

"The app is a spot-on intersection of technology, brand and business. … it enables Zipcar members to find and book a Zipcar quickly, but also to honk the horn and lock or unlock the doors—all from their iPhone."

It is unlikely that Wal-Mart will be entering the car manufacturing industry, but it does offer a wide variety of services ranging from groceries and pharmacy to financial services. It is also pushing the envelop—for a retailer—in its own social media and mobile offerings.

Taking the Lead

Wal-Mart is pushing ahead of social media-savvy retailers such as Macy's and even Amazon and eBay, based on the initiatives it has underway.

One experiment @WalMartLabs is working on is a social network for in-store shoppers, Internet Retailer reported last year.  Consumers would be able to use their mobile phones to interact with other shoppers currently at the store, asking questions and giving opinions on products and deals.

"The primary value you’ll get is the community feel," Ravi Raj, vice president of product at @WalMartLabs, told Internet Retailer.

Facebook Deals

Wal-Mart has also tightened its ties with Facebook rolling out a tailored page for each of its more than 3,500 locations will have its own tailored Facebook page. The partnership is said to be the first of its kind for a retailer.

Wal-Mart Style Analytics

Much of this activity is based on Wal-Mart's push to develop its own analytics capabilities. Earlier this year, it acquired Kosmix, the developer of Tweetbeat Firsthand–a plug-in that scans the Internet for references to prominent people or organizations that have Twitter accounts and then provides readers of those pages with their latest tweets.

Wal-mart bought the social media company specifically to use its analytical expertise in the @WalmartLabs unit.

Same-Store, Net Sales Up Y-O-Y in December

Retailers have recognized the need to compete with e-tailers with such social media and mobile initiatives. Their core business—in-store sales—did well this holiday season, though. Total net sales for the 23 retail chains tracked by RetailSails rose 5.6% in December 2011 as compared to the previous year, reaching $54 billion for the month.

Same-store sales in December rose 3.6% year-over-year, marking the 28th straight monthly gain after 12 consecutive months of decline.