Walmart is rolling out its drone delivery service to three more states, expanding to 100 stores in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando, and Tampa within the next year. This move will bring Walmart’s drone delivery service to a total of five states: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas.
Details of the Expansion
The service is powered by Wing, a drone operator with whom Walmart has partnered. Customers can place their order through Wing’s app, and the drones will deliver items within a six-mile radius from Walmart stores. Drone deliveries are expected to take 30 minutes or less, with some of the most common items ordered being eggs, ice cream, pet food, and fresh fruit like bananas and lemons.
Competing with Amazon on Convenience
Walmart’s efforts to compete with Amazon are part of a broader strategy to offer customers increased convenience. With over 4,600 stores across the U.S., Walmart has a large footprint that it uses to provide quick delivery options such as Express Delivery, which delivers products in as little as 30 minutes, and InHome, a subscription service for home deliveries.
Challenges and Setbacks
While Walmart’s drone delivery program has made progress, it has faced some hurdles. In the past, a planned nationwide rollout with DroneUp didn’t stick, and the company has only completed about 150,000 drone deliveries since 2021. However, the retailer remains committed to expanding its drone delivery service, aiming to provide customers with flexible and fast delivery options.
Looking Ahead
Walmart’s focus on drone delivery aligns with its broader strategy to provide customers with more options for receiving products quickly and efficiently. As technology continues to advance, the company sees drone delivery as an integral part of a larger ecosystem that will offer more convenience in the future.
