Walmart goes live with same-day pharmacy delivery
Leveraging its nearly 4,600 store footprint, Walmart is now delivering prescription medications directly to customers' doorsteps — along with their other purchases — in as soon as 30 minutes.
The new offering is now live in six states: Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Nevada, South Carolina and Wisconsin. By the end of January 2025, Walmart expects same-day pharmacy delivery to be available in 49 states for both new prescriptions and medication refills, with some exceptions.
Walmart is combining the Rx medications and general merchandise into one streamlined single order for delivery. In a release announcing the service, Walmart called prescription delivery the number one service requested by customers. Over half (55%) expressed a desire to have their prescriptions delivered along with their groceries and other items they need in a single online order.
The move comes as Walgreens and CVS are downsizing their store fleets as they work to improve their businesses. Both chains offer same-day pharmacy delivery.
"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, senior VP of pharmacy at Walmart U.S. "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
According to Walmart, it supports pharmacy delivery with its infrastructure to seamlessly accept orders of medications and/or other products through its app and website for fulfillment via the nearest physical store with a pharmacy.
[READ MORE: Walmart expands pharmacist role with testing program for common illnesses]
The retailer has procedures to have prescription medications verified by licensed pharmacists according to doctor’s orders. 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 via the Walmart app and their email.
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Pharmacy delivery via desktop and app (Image: Walmart). -
Walmart pharmacist preparing delivery (Image: Walmart). -
Walmart pharmacist sealing prescription package (Image: Walmart).
The retailer has procedures to have prescription medications verified by licensed pharmacists according to doctor’s orders. 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 via the Walmart app and their email.
Walmart+ loyalty program members will receive free delivery on pharmacy delivery. Non-Walmart+ members will pay the standard delivery charge of $9.95.
Walmart says customers will be able to tailor the pharmacy delivery experience to fit their unique needs, choosing from a suite of delivery options that will eventually include:
- Same-day scheduled delivery: Customers will be able to schedule their pharmacy delivery for a specific time that fits their schedule.
- On-demand and express delivery: Coming soon, customers will have the option to choose on-demand or express delivery. With these options, they’ll be able to receive their prescription within hours or with express delivery in as soon as 30 minutes.
- New or existing insurance plans will be applied to the transaction just as they would when a customer picks up a prescription in-store.
"Helping customers solve missions is core to everything we do," said Tom Ward, executive VP and chief e-commerce officer, Walmart U.S. "By combining pharmacy delivery into a single order, we're strengthening our commitment to providing everything they need, whenever and wherever they need it,” “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."
Based in Bentonville, Ark., Walmart Inc. operates more than 10,500 stores and numerous e-commerce websites in 19 countries.
