Walmart is reportedly launching a Walmart+ membership program that resembles Amazon Prime later in July.
What We Know:
- The service is $98 per year that includes same-day delivery, fuel discounts, and other perks, according to Recode. The unveiling of the service was pushed back from the spring due to the pandemic and it’s unclear if it will initially launch nationally.
- Walmart has already been experimenting with speedy delivery, including one-day options in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and parts of California. They have been utilizing their Walmart app and grocery pick up service, with nearly 3,300 store pickup locations, and more than 1,850 stores offering same-day grocery delivery.
- “We experienced unprecedented demand in categories like paper goods, surface cleaners and grocery staples,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said on a call in May. “For many of these items, we were selling in two or three hours what we normally sell in two or three days.” Walmart+ will bring in new buzz to the company.
- Amazon prime has 150 million subscribers paying $119 annually. Prime includes expedited shipping, streaming entertainment, same-day grocery delivery, and early access to deals. “Amazon will face more direct competition, and the new program will provide advantages for sellers and customers when the two similar services go head to head”, Kunal Chopra, CEO of etailz, a leading e-commerce growth platform told FOX Business.
Walmart declined to comment.