Walmart adds one-hour curbside pickup and flashing shelf lights
Walmart is rolling out Express Pickup, with app orders ready at the curb in as little as an hour. It starts at 500 stores and will spread nationwide in coming weeks. A new app feature also flashes a shelf light to find items.
Walmart is adding new ways to shop fast before the holidays.
The biggest change is Express Pickup. Shoppers order in the Walmart app, and the order can be ready for curbside pickup in as soon as one hour, the company said Wednesday. It is available at 500 stores now and will expand nationwide in the coming weeks, in time for Thanksgiving shopping. Walmart+ members get unlimited Express Pickup with no fee. Walmart did not say in its announcement what other shoppers will pay.
Inside stores, a feature called Shop to Light aims to end the hunt for hard-to-find items. Customers search for a product in the app. When they reach the right aisle, a small LED light on the shelf tag flashes to point them to it. Store workers use the same lights to restock shelves and fill online orders, Retail Dive reported.
Walmart is also adding American Sign Language interpreters at U.S. stores through the company Sorenson. Shoppers can scan a QR code at the service desk to connect with an interpreter by video. It joins sensory-friendly shopping hours that Walmart started in 2023, with quieter music and dimmer lights.
Why now? Stores are a key part of Walmart's delivery network. About 80% of its online deliveries move through its stores, Walmart U.S. chief David Guggina said at an investor conference in September, Retail Dive reported.
Walmart already offers delivery in 30 minutes or less in many areas, plus drone delivery in some places.
One thing that has not changed: Walmart stores will again be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day so workers can spend time with family, the company said.
What we know: One-hour Express Pickup is live at 500 stores and free for Walmart+ members.
What we don't: The fee for non-members and which stores get it next.
Where outlets agree Retail Dive and Hardware Retailing both report Express Pickup is at 500 stores, is free for Walmart+ members, and will expand nationwide in coming weeks.
Where they differ Retail Dive describes Shop to Light as debuting with this holiday announcement, while Hardware Retailing says Walmart introduced it earlier this month.