Walmart reserves daily pickup hour for most at-risk customers

Walmart Inc. is reserving  an early morning pickup hour for online orders for the groups most at risk to COVID-19.

The retail giant  will reserve the hour from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. for order pickup at select pickup store locations for customers over the age of 60,  first responders, customers with disabilities and anyone designated high-risk by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.    

Walmart added that its pickup employees  are following enhanced distancing and sanitation procedures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The point of pickup is also contact-free: Customers open their trunk and employees load their groceries in – no need to sign for the order.

Customers will see a new prompt on Walmart’s online grocery site that lists  the qualifications for selecting the slot listed as "At Risk Only" and allows those who are eligible to opt in. All other pickup times are open for the use of these groups as well.  

“Now more than ever, families are relying on our pickup service to help get quality, fresh groceries to their homes as safely as possible,” Tom Ward, senior VP, customer product, Walmart, said. “These are extraordinary times, and we are constantly looking for ways we can help deliver that same peace of mind to all our customers, particularly those who are most at-risk.”