Walmart, in partnership with DroneUp, is introducing drone delivery service for customers in the Phoenix, Arizona, area and will be fulfilled from four stores.
This marks the first time customers in the state can take advantage of Walmart’s drone delivery, following the retailer’s earlier announcement of plans to expand its DroneUp network to reach four million additional households across six states. Walmart has executed thousands of same-day drone deliveries to date.
“Drone delivery makes it possible for our customers to shop those last-minute or forgotten items with ease, in a package that’s frankly really cool. Being on the forefront of that innovation at Walmart is something we’re proud of,” said Vik Gopalakrishnan, VP of innovation and automation, Walmart U.S.
“It may seem like a futuristic option, but it’s giving our customers what they’ve always wanted, and that’s time back to focus on what is most important to them.”
Customers living within a mile of a participating store can place orders between the hours of 8 a.m.-8 p.m. through droneupdelivery.com. Drones can deliver more than 10,000 eligible Walmart items up to ten pounds, including fragile items, in as little as 30 minutes. There are no order minimums and the delivery fee is $3.99.
With use of promo code “FreeDeliveryAZ,” customers using drone delivery for the first time will have the delivery fee waived. Once the items are packaged and loaded into the drone, the order is delivered using a cable that lowers the package into the customer’s yard.
Drone delivery is offered from these stores in Arizona:
- Walmart Supercenter No. 3896 – 21655 N. Lake Pleasant Parkway in Peoria;
- Walmart Supercenter No. 1533 – 7975 W. Peoria Ave. in Peoria;
- Walmart Supercenter No. 3241 – 18551 N. 83rd Ave. in Glendale; and
- Walmart Supercenter No. 1532 – 5845 W. Bell Road in Glendale.
In partnership with DroneUp, Walmart will offer drone delivery in five other states in addition to Arizona in the months ahead, including: Arkansas, Florida, Texas, Utah and Virginia. There will be 34 stores making drone delivery available in 23 cities nationwide.
“Our mission is to set the gold standard for drone delivery and, by partnering with Walmart, bring the benefits that drones offer to local communities, organizations and businesses,” said Tom Walker, CEO of DroneUp.
“Our approach is unique; we practice safety above all else and incorporate state-of-the-art technology. Our strong relationship with the FAA has also been critical to our success as we build an infrastructure that supports growth and great career programs for operators now and in the future.”
DroneUp deliveries are powered by a team of certified pilots operating within FAA guidelines to safely manage flight operations. Deliveries will be made to the safest location of the customer’s home, such as in the front yard, backyard or driveway.
