Walmart launches click and collect in Canada

Walmart has experimented with grocery delivery and store pick up in the U.S. for several years and now it is testing the waters in Canada.

Walmart chose Ottawa, a medium-sized city an hour west of Montreal in the French-speaking province of Quebec, as the first market in Canada to receive the Online Grocery Pickup service. Eleven stores in the city are part of the program. Six locations are scheduled to go live on July 7 with another five stores due to come online July 21. Walmart operates 395 stores throughout Canada.

"Among the top priorities for Canadian consumers are saving time and saving money. Walmart is committed to making the lives of our customers better by helping them do both. By expanding our online offering to include fresh foods at Walmart's low prices for pickup in-store, we are delivering on that promise," said Simon Rodrigue, senior vice president, e-commerce, Walmart Canada. "We want to make it easy for customers to order their groceries at home, work or while waiting at the doctor's office so they can enjoy our unbeatable prices while saving a ton of time."

According to Walmart, trained, dedicated grocery shoppers have been hired at all participating locations to ensure items are carefully hand-picked, and packaged with care. There is a $3 fee to use the service which allows customers to place an order up to 21 days ahead of time.

"We are listening to our customers and they're telling us they want everyday grocery items and top-quality, fresh foods at low prices," said Paul Del Duca, senior vice president, fresh foods, Walmart Canada. "We have added a top-quality assortment of fresh items to our online selection of everyday grocery items, now available for pickup, all backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. This makes it easier for families to save money every week on their groceries, while giving them back part of their day."