Walmart updates app to speed up in-store pharmacy refills, money transfers

Walmart has updated its mobile app with features that provide for paperless transactions for pharmacy and money services customers.



The upgrades will allow people using the chain’s pharmacies and money services to complete paperwork online via their smartphones and skip ahead of other customers when they get to the store by using new designated “express lanes” in those areas.



After entering personal prescription information in the app, customers can use their mobile phone to order prescription refills or fill out other required paperwork. When customers arrive at the store, they can use the express lanes feature for fast pick-up. Customers can also use the new app to track prescription order status and view pricing information.



A similar feature will be rolled out for the chain’s Money Services desk, which is used by customers to transfer money. Customers will be able to use the app to fill out their required paperwork. Once in store, customers can use the “express lane” in Money Services to move to the front of the line.



The new features, which Walmart will start rolling out in March, are expected to be available in nearly all of Walmart’s 4,700 stores by fall.



“These capabilities are the latest example of how we’re bringing together all of the conveniences of Walmart – great stores, convenient pickup, easy checkout and a top-notch app – to deliver one seamless shopping experience for customers,” said Daniel Eckert, senior VL, Walmart Services.



The new app capabilities follows a string of other technology-focused updates from Walmart, including the expansion of the company’s online grocery pickup service, the investment in store pickup, and the offer of free two-day shipping on millions of items without a membership fee. Customers should stay tuned for more announcements as Walmart continues to find ways for them to shop when and how they want.