The innovation in US delivery technology continues to grow more and more. The supermarket chain Walmart was one of the pioneers in offering aerial delivery with drones for home shopping. This trend of automated distribution is working very well among consumers and more and more brands are putting it into practice. That’s why Walmart has decided to add more pilot cities to its list, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando and Tampa.
Walmart
It is a well-known multinational corporation of stores of American origin. Founded in 1962, it operates discount department store chains and warehouse clubs. It has a very extensive catalog in which we can find products such as tires, appliances, televisions, mattresses, food, drink, retail and takeaway among others. It is present worldwide, with a total of 10,784 establishments.
Automated distribution
We’ve all dealt with delivery men at some point in our lives. With more or less sympathy, we have interacted with couriers or food delivery people. But, have you ever thought that your dinner or lunch would fly to your door, and receive it without having to interact with any human being? It almost looks like science fiction, but it’s not. In 2021, Walmart began its journey in automated distribution, incorporating drones to its workforce.
This retail company started this service in Dallas (Texas) and Bentonville (Arkansas), and has reached a total of 150,000 drone deliveries. The quality surveys carried out show users how quickly orders arrive. On average, it takes no more than 30 minutes to order. According to the company data, fresh fruit, eggs, ice cream and pet food are the most purchased and requested products through drones.
New openings
In spite of the good data presented by the company, it has no intention at present to open further establishments. However, it is a good idea to incorporate this delivery service into more existing establishments. As a result, the cities of Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando and Tampa will be added to the list throughout 2025. Have you ever tried this service? Will you be able to enjoy it as a novelty in your city?
Prices
This type of technology requires an increase in prices. Although the company can save itself the salary of a delivery man, it must also take into account the investment of capital in this type of equipment as well as its internal structure and costs.That’s why the price of order delivery at Walmart varies. If you are a member of the monthly retail subscription, you will not pay any shipping costs.
However, the shipping price is $19.99 for those who do not belong to the Walmart+ group. Wamart has become the retail chain that has made the biggest change in drone delivery expansion. According to Greg Cathey, “We are pushing the limits of comfort to better serve our customers, making shopping faster and easier than ever before”.
Walmart has focused on improving the user experience through investments in drone and automated delivery technology. What seemed like a futuristic idea, came into our lives a few years ago. Receiving a drone with our order on the doorstep is no longer something of science fiction movies. Obviously these are small orders, but they save a lot of people in an emergency. That’s why Walmart has decided to expand its fleet of drones and the cities where this service is offered, so that this technology reaches more people and they can enjoy their products.