Walmart grocery delivery is the next front in the grocery store wars. The retail giant just announced that they will expand their online grocery delivery service to 100 metro areas across America by the end of this year.
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Over 800 stores will offer same day delivery, reaching about 40 percent of U.S. households. No subscription is required for the service, though it does require a $30 minimum order and there is a $9.95 delivery fee. Customers can place orders online at Walmart.com/grocery or by using the Walmart Grocery App.
Walmart
"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, president and CEO, Walmart U.S. "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 has been expanding its grocery offerings to compete with other chains like Whole Foods, especially with their acquisition by Amazon and the introduction of Amazon Fresh for Prime members. Walmart's new delivery service also competes with companies like Instacart and Shipt, who provide delivery services to customers from other stores.
Walmart
Walmart has been expanding into meal kits as well. Earlier this month, they announced a Blue Apron-style kit with pre-chopped and per-measured ingredients.
The retail chain employs more than 18,000 personal shoppers and they plan to add thousands this year with the expansion of their delivery service. The personal shoppers must complete a three week training program that teaches them how to select the freshest produce and the best cuts of meat for online grocery shoppers.
Walmart
Right now, Walmart grocery delivery is available in six markets. Walmart also offers grocery pickup at 1,200 locations; customers order their groceries online and then pick them up at the store.
The chain plans to add another 1,000 Walmart stores to that list this year as well. Do you currently buy groceries from Walmart? Let us know in the comments if you'll be testing this new service.
