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Walmart has announced big news for its delivery service, but there's a catch: customers will have to pay an extra $10 to enjoy these new benefits.
The company announced on Thursday that it's extending delivery times, especially for those who like to shop early in the morning. Now, early birds can wake up to find their orders waiting for them right at their doorstep.
Walmart Launches Early Morning Deliveries
Walmart has good news for its Walmart+ members: through the company's new Express On-Demand Early Morning Delivery service, they can now receive their deliveries as early as 6 a.m.
Whether you need baby essentials, clothes, appliances, or camping equipment, you can order it all for early delivery. Walmart aims to give its customers more convenience and flexibility with this service.
"Walmart's On-Demand Early Morning Delivery, along with our other services, ensures that you get what you need exactly when needed. This way, you can take back your time, no matter the time," the company explained.
For those who place an order, Walmart promises delivery will arrive within an hour.
Shoppers used only to be able to order from Walmart starting at 8 am, as reported by USA Today.
This change in delivery times comes shortly after Walmart extended its express delivery service until 10 p.m. Customers can now order items for same-day delivery until 9:30 p.m.
Tom Ward, Walmart's U.S. executive vice president, explained that these extended hours prioritize convenience and speed for customers. He emphasized the importance of catering to last-minute needs, like grabbing gummy vitamins for kids or replacing a broken hairdryer, without causing stress late at night.
Walmart is expanding its services to cater to early risers who enjoy fishing. Later this month, the retail giant will deliver live bait from over 3,000 stores. This new initiative aims to assist anglers in gearing up for their morning fishing trips.
Also Read: Whole Foods Market Innovates with New Minimart Format to Cater to Fast-Paced Shopper Demands
Walmart+ Members: Pay $10 for Fast Delivery
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Walmart offers expanded morning delivery hours, promising delivery within one hour, but there's a catch for Walmart+ members: a $10 fee.
If you're not in a hurry, you can opt for delivery within three hours with a $5 fee.
Non-members, however, will face additional fees on top of these delivery costs.
A Walmart+ membership costs about $12.95 per month or $98 per year.
This move by Walmart aligns with a trend among major retailers to provide more delivery options for customers who prefer getting their groceries and goods delivered to their doorstep.
Walmart's Chief Financial Officer, John Rainey, highlighted the importance of delivery options in gaining traction among wealthier households and attracting Walmart+ members," stated during Walmart's recent earnings call.
This move by Walmart follows Target's announcement of its new unlimited free same-day delivery service, Target 360. Target aims to deliver items within an hour for orders over $35.
To entice new members, Target offers the 360 service at a discounted rate of $49 per year for those who sign up between April 7 and May 18. After this period, the price will increase to $99. Both retailers are banking on the appeal of speedy delivery to drive their sales.
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