BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced that it’s expanding delivery offerings, integrating prescription medications and general merchandise into one streamlined single order for delivery.
The new offering is now live in six states: Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Nevada, South Carolina and Wisconsin. By the end of January, Walmart’s Pharmacy Delivery is expected to be available in 49 states, reaching tens of millions of customers. Pharmacy Delivery is available for both new prescriptions and medication refills.
Walmart’s proximity to customers and nearly 4,600 store locations with pharmacies add up to make Pharmacy Delivery a choice that has more than just wide reach – but broad impact. The service provides a significant benefit to Walmart customers and members, particularly families, seniors and those managing chronic conditions who do not have time for multiple trips.
Walmart’s extensive existing footprint across the U.S. enables delivery to more than 86% of households. This convenience is powered by Walmart’s robust infrastructure, allowing customers to manage their entire shopping experience – whether it’s a prescription, a gallon of milk or both – seamlessly through its app and website, fulfilled by the nearest store. Walmart will offer all medications through Pharmacy Delivery with some select exceptions.
In a recent survey, Walmart customers were asked how the company could better serve them. Over half (55%) expressed a desire to have their prescriptions delivered along with their groceries and other items they need in a single online order. This service was the most requested by Walmart customers who self-identified as time-sensitive, busy families2.
At the core of the new offering is a local, still-expanding group of best-in-class pharmacies. Walmart empowers its pharmacists to practice at the top of their clinical abilities, and with this latest offering, they’re able to do more for their communities, too. And when those communities have convenient access to care, they live better, healthier lives.
“Our extensive footprint across the nation combined with our deep expertise in pharmacy uniquely positions us to make a profound impact in the communities we serve,” said Kevin Host, senior vice president of Pharmacy at Walmart U.S. “We understand that health care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s hyper-local. Each community has unique needs. This new offering allows us to continue serving customers while also giving more time back to our pharmacies for high-touch health services.”
By integrating the pharmacy offering into delivery with the Walmart app, it’s easier than ever to get everything needed – all in one stop. Customers will be able to seamlessly add prescriptions along with other items from their local Walmart in a single order, available both in-app and online. They will be able to tailor the experience to fit their unique needs and lifestyles – choosing from a suite of delivery options powered by technology that will eventually include:
- Same-Day Scheduled Delivery: Customers will be able to schedule their Pharmacy Delivery for a specific time that fits their schedule.
- On-Demand and Express Delivery: Coming soon, customers will have the option to choose On-Demand or Express Delivery. With these options, they’ll be able to receive their prescription within hours or with Express Delivery in as soon as 30 minutes.
- New or existing insurance plans will be applied to the transaction just as they would when picking up a prescription in-store.
“Helping customers solve missions is core to everything we do. By combining Pharmacy Delivery into a single order, we’re strengthening our commitment to providing everything they need, whenever and wherever they need it,” said Tom Ward, executive vice president and chief eCommerce officer, Walmart U.S. “If you’re sick, we can deliver the necessary medicine along with everything else you need to feel better: cough drops, a heating pad, blanket and orange juice. Walmart’s size, resources and expertise set it apart from other retailers.”
