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BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is expanding its delivery offerings by integrating prescription medications and general merchandise into one streamlined single order for delivery.
Walmart said Tuesday that 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's Pharmacy Delivery is expected to be available in 49 states, reaching tens of millions of customers. Pharmacy Delivery is available for both new prescriptions along with medication refills.
Walmart says that its proximity to customers and nearly 4,600 store locations with pharmacies combine to make Pharmacy Delivery a choice with broad impact. The service will offer a significant benefit to Walmart customers and members, particularly families, seniors, those managing chronic conditions, and others who don't have time for multiple trips. For Walmart, reaching these people is no problem.
Walmart’s extensive footprint across the U.S. allows its delivery service to reach more than 86% of households. This convenience is powered by Walmart’s robust infrastructure, allowing customers to manage their entire shopping experience—whether it’s a prescription, a gallon of milk, or both—seamlessly through its app and website, fulfilled by the nearest store. Walmart will offer all medications through Pharmacy Delivery with some select exceptions.
Prescription delivery is No. 1 service requested by customers
In a recent survey, Walmart customers were asked how the company could better serve them. More than half (55%) expressed a desire to have their prescriptions delivered along with their groceries and other needed items in a single online order. This service was the most requested by Walmart customers who self-identified as time-sensitive, busy families.
At the core of the new offering is something unique to Walmart – a local, still-expanding group of best-in-class pharmacies, the company says, adding that it empowers its pharmacists to practice at the top of their clinical abilities. With this latest offering, they’re able to do event more for their communities.
"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 vice president of Pharmacy at Walmart U.S. “We understand that health care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s hyper-local. Each community has unique needs. This new offering allows us to continue serving customers while also giving more time back to our pharmacies for high-touch health services.”
From the store to door: How it works
By integrating the pharmacy offering into delivery with the Walmart app, Walmart aims to make it easier than ever for consumers to get everything needed – all in one stop. Customers can seamlessly add prescriptions along with other items from their local Walmart in a single order, available both in-app and online. They will be able to tailor the experience to fit their unique needs and lifestyles – choosing from a suite of delivery options powered by technology 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 picking up a prescription in-store.
- “Helping customers solve missions is core to everything we do,” said Tom Ward, executive vice president and chief eCommerce 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. Walmart’s size, resources and expertise set it apart from other retailers.”
Safety in mind
As is the case in every Walmart delivery, the retailer says that customer safety and security are top priorities. Prescription medications are verified by licensed pharmacists according to doctor’s orders. Additional measures remain in place for HIPPA-compliant transport from store to door: 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.
Only Walmart can deliver this convenience
Walmart+ members will receive free delivery on their pharmacy delivery orders, while non-members will pay the standard delivery charge of $9.95.
Walmart’s pharmacies are led by more than 15,000 community-based pharmacists, nearly half of whom have been with the company for over a decade. Those pharmacists play a vital role across thousands of communities by administering immunizations, treating common ailments like flu and strep, and offering general wellness advice alongside other care offerings.
Walmart says its omnichannel services will continue to evolve in step with its customers’ needs do.
