In the past, people were only able to purchase groceries and household items in-person. Fortunately, technological advances now make shopping easier than ever. Recently, Amazon launched its own Prime Pantry feature. In turn, Amazon delivered groceries to consumer’s doorsteps. Major grocers are also using technology to their advantage. For instance, Walmart offers an online ordering service. However, users still need to visit a local Walmart to pick up their groceries. Considering that, Walmart wants to take the concept of grocery delivery one step further.
Offering a New Type of Delivery Service
Beginning later this year, nearly 1 million people will be able to try out Walmart’s new in-home delivery option. According to Tech Crunch, using this option, customers will need to purchase and install a special type of smart lock. This smart lock ensures that only a Walmart employee bringing your groceries is able to enter and exit your home. In turn, customers are able to have a Walmart employee bring in and place groceries in their refrigerator.
Before receiving your groceries, customers place an order on Walmart’s website. After selecting the in-home delivery option, they’re able to choose a convenient delivery date and time. Next, a Walmart employee will begin preparing and transporting this delivery. This employee receives a one-time code that bypasses the smart lock. In addition, workers must wear a camera throughout the duration of their delivery. Customers are even able to watch this delivery take place from a remote location. If in-home delivery isn’t what customers want, they can have items delivered to their garages.
Where In-Home Delivery is an Option
Currently, Walmart is only offering this service in select cities throughout the United States. Customers in Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Florida will have access to this in-home delivery service within the near future. However, NBC News reports that Walmart plans on being able to reach “roughly 75 percent” of homes throughout America by the end of 2019.
In conclusion, Walmart will soon test an in-home grocery delivery service. This continues Walmart’s momentum, after reporting a 37.4% increase in online grocery orders over the past 12 months. While Walmart remains quiet on costs, this company notes that this service will be attractively priced. Walmart also wants to expand this delivery service in regards to returns. Later this year, Walmart will test an in-home return service. This would allow customers to exchange items without ever stepping foot in a Walmart store.
Dil Bole Oberoi
