BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has broadened its same-day pharmacy delivery service to include refrigerated and reconstituted medications, such as insulin, GLP-1s and pediatric antibiotics. The expansion makes Walmart the first national retailer to deliver cold-chain prescriptions alongside groceries and household essentials in a single online order.
Retail Significance
The move highlights how pharmacy services are becoming increasingly integrated into the omnichannel strategies of large retailers. By allowing prescriptions to be delivered alongside food and general merchandise, Walmart is positioning its pharmacy as part of its wider retail mix, rather than a separate service line. Refrigerated medications account for more than 30% of Walmart Pharmacy sales, making their inclusion a significant step in scaling the program.
Since piloting the service last year, Walmart has fulfilled more than 4 million pharmacy deliveries, with some orders completed in less than 10 minutes. The company says packaging safeguards — such as insulated, light-blocking bags and electronic delivery confirmation — are in place to maintain product integrity and safety.
Competitive Context
Walmart’s expansion comes as competition in pharmacy delivery intensifies. Amazon Pharmacy, for example, recently announced that its platform has helped customers save more than $100 million on prescriptions, highlighting its use of manufacturer-sponsored coupons for high-cost drugs such as insulin and GLP-1s. While Amazon emphasizes cost savings, Walmart is drawing on its scale in food and general merchandise to create a bundled delivery model that combines prescriptions with everyday shopping.
Omnichannel and Membership Links
Delivery options include scheduled, on-demand and express service through the Walmart app, with fees waived for Walmart+ members. Non-members can access the service for an additional charge. By connecting pharmacy delivery with its subscription program, Walmart is following a pattern used across retail to strengthen customer loyalty and increase engagement across categories.
As retailers broaden their health care offerings, Walmart’s move highlights the growing role of pharmacy services in shaping the competitive landscape of omnichannel retail.
