Walmart has added a new late-night Express Delivery service that it says is aiming to cater to customers’ last-minute needs.
The retailer said Express Delivery will run until 10 p.m. with last orders placed by 9:30 p.m. and will come with a Live Shopper feature that enables real-time text communication with a personal shopper. This means users of the Walmart app or website can discuss substitutions or add items last minute.
According to the firm, the service is being offered as part of its Online Pickup and Delivery solutions at over 4,000 stores across the U.S. It adds another option to On-Demand Delivery which primarily serves customers who don’t need something right now but want it later that day. To do this, they choose a delivery slot for a time that best suits their schedule for same-day delivery.
Writing in a blog post, Tom Ward, EVP & Chief eCommerce Officer at Walmart U.S. said: “The whole experience feels like you’re texting a friend to grab you something while they’re at the store, helping to further personalise our online shopping service. So, if you suddenly realize you’re out of cold medicine, you can let your shopper know and they can make the add.
He added: [Express Delivery is] perfect for those who need something in a hurry. Imagine realising you’re down to the last few diapers, or your child’s game controller decides to give up during the final battle. Walmart can save the day with delivery as soon as 30 minutes and up to 90 minutes. Let’s say you are on a trip and forgot your phone charger. Simply change your location, make your delivery selection and with a few simple swipes, a charger is on the way.”
