BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart will expand its online grocery delivery option to more than 40 percent of U.S. households by the end of the year, the company announced Wednesday. The service, available today in six markets, will grow to serve more than 100 metro areas across the country.
“We’re saving customers time by leveraging new technology, and connecting all the parts of our business into a single seamless shopping experience: great stores, easy pickup, fast delivery, and apps and websites that are simple to use,” said Greg Foran, Walmart president and CEO. “We’re serving our customers in ways that no one else can. Using our size and scale, we’re bringing the best of Walmart to customers across the country.”
Walmart Grocery Delivery brings customers the convenience of shopping when and where they want for quality, fresh produce, meat, seafood and bakery items, along with pantry staples, consumables and seasonal general merchandise. Customers place their orders online at Walmart.com/grocery or on the existing Walmart Grocery App.
With the help of Walmart’s personal shoppers and crowdsourced delivery services, the retailer will be able to shop for and deliver fresh groceries to the doorsteps of millions of Americans. The retailer employs more than 18,000 personal shoppers that power this program with thousands more being added this year. These associates must complete a three-week training program learning how to select the freshest produce and the best cuts of meat for customers.
The retailer also offers an Online Grocery Pickup service that allows customers to order their groceries online and pick them up in stores without ever getting out of their cars. The service is now available in 1,200 stores with 1,000 more to be added this year.
“Our commitment goes further than saving customers money,” said Tom Ward, Walmart vice president of digital operations.
Groceries can be delivered to customers as soon as the same day. Walmart’s Online Grocery Delivery carries a $9.95 fee and a $30 minimum order with no subscription and, they say, no price markups. Customers can get their first order delivered for free with promo code FRESHCAR.
