Walmart customers in select cities in Florida, Texas, and Arizona will be able to get their purchases via drone, the company announced on Dec. 15.
Drone delivery is available from four Walmart stores in Peoria and Glendale, Ariz.; 11 stores in Garland, Murphy, Plano, Richardson, Mesquite, Dallas, and The Colony, Texas; and from seven stores in Clermont, New Port Richey, Valrico, Winter Haven, Tampa and Braden, Florida. Walmart said drone delivery will be available in three other states – Arkansas, Utah, and Virginia – by the end of the year. The company said 34 stores in 23 cities will provide delivery by drone at the start of 2023.
“Drone delivery makes it possible for our customers to shop those last-minute or forgotten items with ease in a package that’s frankly really cool. Being on the forefront of that innovation at Walmart is something we’re proud of,” said Vik Gopalakrishnan, vice president of innovation & automation, Walmart U.S. “It may seem like a futuristic option, but it’s giving our customers what they’ve always wanted, and that’s time back to focus on what is most important to them.”
Earlier this year, the company announced it would expand the delivery network, DroneUp, to reach 4 million households. In November 2021, Walmart launched its first commercial DroneUp delivery service for customers in Farmington, Ark. It later expanded the service to a Neighborhood Market in Rogers, Ark., and a Supercenter in Bentonville, Ark.
Customers within a mile of the drone hub can order up to 10 pounds of eligible items, such as Tylenol, diapers, and hot dog buns, for delivery between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Delivery is $3.99 and can be made in as little as 30 minutes, delivering the items to the safest location of the customer’s home, such as a backyard or driveway. Drones are operated by a team of certified drone pilots operating within FAA guidelines.
“Our mission is to set the gold standard for drone delivery and, by partnering with Walmart, bring the incredible benefits that drones offer to local communities, organizations, and businesses,” said Tom Walker, CEO of DroneUp. “Our approach is unique; we practice safety above all else and incorporate state-of-the-art technology. Our strong relationship with the FAA has also been critical to our success as we build an infrastructure that supports growth and great career programs for operators now and in the future.”