If you’re a regular Walmart shopper, hold on tight because changes are coming. It’s not because things are going badly for them, as you probably know, Walmart has established itself as the most accessible and important retailer in the country, and there’s one less than 10 miles from every resident (yes, they did the study), but they want more, and they’ve announced a transformation plan that will leave more than one person speechless. The news? They’re going to open 150 new stores, they’re remodelling many of the existing ones, and now they can deliver medications to your home, in almost the entire country. And all without losing their essence, sounds incredible, right? We’ll tell you everything.
Physical stores vs. online marketplace?
Even though online shopping is trendier than ever (let’s be honest, we love clicking and having our order show up at our door), Walmart isn’t giving up on its physical stores. On the contrary: they’re reinforcing them. The idea is clear: continue growing digitally, but without leaving behind the in-store experience. Because there are still a lot of us who prefer to see, touch, and decide in person whether we want something or not.
Pharmacy Delivery
One of the most striking things is the new medication delivery system. It started as something limited to only six states, but now it’s available in 49. Basically, if you need a prescription, you can order it online and it’ll arrive at your house the same day. Ideal for those who have mobility issues or simply prefer to avoid lines. The best part? If you’re a Walmart+ member, delivery is free.
How does it work?
The program is supported by more than 15,000 pharmacists across the country and also relies on Artificial Intelligence (AI), and it will be very easy to access.
Users, through their accounts on Walmart.com, can access the service. After placing the order, it will be processed by a pharmacist (verifying the prescription, above all), and the customer will be notified about the available delivery options. The order can be tracked in real time and delivery is made in secure, sealed boxes so that the chain of custody is not broken.
And their physical stores?
Beyond the digital realm, Walmart will invest millions in physical infrastructure, which includes opening 150 more stores in the next five years. They’re looking, of course, to be even closer to those users who don’t have a Walmart nearby, and clearly, this translates directly into direct jobs for American citizens.
Also, at the same time, they want to remodel and renew some of the stores that have fallen a bit behind. Walmart wants to improve the design and customer service in many of their stores, and we’re grateful for that, of course!
What do these changes mean?
In short: more convenience, accessibility, and more shopping options. Even if you don’t believe it, there are still many people for whom a Walmart is far away, and even though shopping habits have changed, we always like going to our trusted store for the things we need. Also, the service, presence in the community, direct job, who wouldn’t like that?
In the world of clicks, Walmart is still seeking closeness with its customers, and of course, they want to compete with the big players like Amazon or Walgreens, but Walmart wants to go a little further. They want to be a total platform: shopping, health, closeness, and whatever you need, all in one place. And they’re not just aesthetic improvements, they want to adapt to the new market and the new consumption habits, but always close to us and offering us the best, just like they’ve always done!