Walmart Stores has brought its online grocery delivery service to two more cities, extending a programme that could attract new customers as it battles Amazon and brick-and-mortar rivals.
The world’s biggest retailer is expanding the service to Orlando and Dallas in a partnership with Uber Technologies, whose drivers will make the home deliveries. The service already exists in Denver, San Jose, Phoenix and Tampa.
E-Commerce Push
The move is the latest step in Wal-Mart’s broader e-commerce push, which includes curbside grocery pickup in more than 900 locations and two-day free shipping on millions of items. It also comes just a week after German discounter Aldi unveiled grocery home delivery in Dallas and two other US cities, and two days before Whole Foods Market shareholders are expected to approve the company’s $13.7 billion sale to Amazon.
Only 4.5% of shoppers made frequent online grocery purchases in 2016, up slightly from 4.2% four years earlier despite big investments from companies such as Walmart and Amazon, according to TABS Analytics, a consumer products research firm. But those who do order their groceries online spend more, Walmart has found. In places like Denver, the service has attracted new customers who never shopped at the retailer before.
“We’re working hard to find a way to get you fresh, quality groceries all while keeping a little more time on your calendar,” Mike Turner, vice president of e-commerce operations, said in a blog post on the company’s website.
