Walmart introduces same-day delivery to pharmacies nationwide

On October 23, 2024By Yukito

BENTONVILLE (dpa-AFX) – U.S. retailer Walmart (WMT) said Tuesday it will begin delivering prescription drugs and drug refills along with groceries and other items in a single order within 30 minutes.

The new offer is now available in six states: Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Nevada, South Carolina and Wisconsin. Walmart Pharmacy Delivery services are expected to be available in 49 states by the end of January 2025. Pharmacy delivery is available for both new prescriptions and medication refills.

Walmart’s decision comes weeks after Amazon announced plans to open pharmacies offering same-day delivery options in 20 new U.S. cities in 2025.

Walmart, which operates 4,600 pharmacies in the U.S. and 3,000 vision centers nationwide, said its pharmacy delivery service will be free for members of its $98-a-year Walmart Plus membership program, while non-members will have to pay $9.95.

“Helping customers solve their mission is at the heart of everything we do. By combining pharmacy delivery into one order, we reinforce our commitment to delivering everything they need, whenever and wherever they need it,” said Tom Ward, executive vice president and chief e-commerce officer at Walmart US. “If you’re sick, we can deliver the medicines you need with with everything you need to feel better: cough drops, a heating pad, a blanket and orange juice. Walmart’s size, resources and expertise set it apart from other retailers.