Wal-Mart launches free online classifieds

Wal-Mart recently launched a classified advertising service on its Web site partner that allows customers to post free ads for autos, items for sale, real estate and other traditional headings typically found in the classifieds.

The site is Walmart.com Classified beta at http://walmart.oodle.com/ and is powered by Oodle, an online classified network founded by former Excite and eBay executives that claims more than 200 brands including Cox Interactive, Media General, The Washington Post, and San Diego Union Tribune.

The site is a classified aggregate pulling ads from many sources, but it does include a geographic breakdown by state and users can search for ads by ZIP code. In early June, the site had 24 geographic regions for Texas with dozens of individual cities in each region, blanketing the state.

Wal-Mart spokesman Ravi Jariwala declined to elaborate on specifics but said the site would “provide additional opportunities for our customers to save money and live better.”

“This free, community-based resource allows customers to buy and sell items locally, find local jobs and learn about events in their area,” Jariwala said. “Our new Classifieds beta at Walmart.com provides an expanded offering of products and services, the majority of which are not traditionally available from Wal-Mart...”

“It also further connects our community of 130 million customers who shop the Wal-Mart brand each week.”