Walmart is expanding delivery offerings, integrating pharmacy medications and general merchandise into one single delivery order.
The new offering is available in six states: Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Nevada, South Carolina and Wisconsin. By the end of January, Walmart’s pharmacy delivery is expected to be available in 49 states, reaching millions of customers. Pharmacy delivery is available for both new prescriptions and medication refills.
The service provides a significant benefit to Walmart customers and members, particularly families, seniors and those managing chronic conditions who do not have time for multiple trips. Walmart’s extensive footprint across the U.S. enables delivery to more than 86 percent of households, powered by Walmart’s infrastructure, through its app and website.
In a recent survey, more than 55 percent of consumers expressed a desire to have their prescriptions delivered along with their groceries and other items they need in a single online order. Walmart will offer all medications through pharmacy delivery with some select exceptions.
“Our extensive footprint across the nation combined with our deep expertise in pharmacy uniquely positions us to make a profound impact in the communities we serve,” said Kevin Host, SVP of pharmacy at Walmart U.S.
“We understand that health care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s hyper-local. Each community has unique needs. This new offering allows us to continue serving customers while also giving more time back to our pharmacies for high-touch health services.”
How it works
Customers will be able to add prescriptions along with other items from their local Walmart in a single order, available in-app and online. They will be able to tailor the experience to fit their unique needs and lifestyles – choosing from a suite of delivery options powered by technology that will eventually include: same-day scheduled delivery, on-demand and express delivery and having insurance plans applied to the transaction.
“Helping customers solve missions is core to everything we do. By combining pharmacy delivery into a single order, we’re strengthening our commitment to providing everything they need, whenever and wherever they need it,” said Tom Ward, EVP and chief e-commerce officer, Walmart U.S.
“If you’re sick, we can deliver the necessary medicine along with everything else you need to feel better: cough drops, a heating pad, blanket and orange juice. Walmart’s size, resources and expertise set it apart from other retailers.”
Customer safety and security are top priorities. Walmart has procedures to have prescription medications verified by licensed pharmacists according to doctor’s orders. Additional measures remain in place for HIPPA-compliant transport from store to door: Medications are securely packaged in tamper-evident packaging, and customers can track their orders in real-time through the Walmart app or website. Once delivered, customers will receive a photo confirmation through the Walmart app and their email.
Walmart+ members will also receive free delivery on pharmacy delivery. Non-Walmart+ members will pay the standard delivery charge of $9.95.
Walmart’s pharmacies, led by more than 15,000 community-based pharmacists, play a role across thousands of communities through administering immunizations, providing treatments for common ailments like flu and strep and offering general wellness advice alongside other care offerings.
