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BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has launched delivery by drone in the Phoenix market, part of a previously announced expansion of its DroneUp delivery network.
The new delivery option in Phoenix will be fulfilled from four stores. From last-minute meal solutions to packages of Christmas cookies, Walmart has successfully executed thousands of same-day drone deliveries to date.
“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,” said Vik Gopalakrishnan, vice president, of innovation and automation at Walmart U.S. “Being on the forefront of that innovation at Walmart is something we’re proud of. 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.”
Here’s how it works:
Customers living within a mile of a participating store can place orders through www.droneupdelivery.com between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. local time. Drones can deliver more than 10,000 eligible Walmart items up to ten pounds, including fragile items like eggs, in as little as 30 minutes. There are no order minimums and the delivery fee is just $3.99. With use of promo code FreeDeliveryAZ, customers using drone delivery for the first time will have the delivery fee waived. Once the items are packaged and loaded into the drone, the order is then delivered using a cable that gently lowers the package into the customer’s yard.
Drone delivery is now offered from these stores in Arizona:
- Walmart Supercenter #3896, 21655 N Lake Pleasant Pkwy, Peoria, AZ 85382
- Walmart Supercenter #1533, 7975 W Peoria Ave, Peoria, AZ 85345
- Walmart Supercenter #3241, 18551 N 83rd Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308
- Walmart Supercenter #1532, 5845 W Bell Rd, Glendale, AZ 85308
Working in partnership with DroneUp, Walmart will offer drone delivery in five other states in addition to Arizona by the end of the year. They are: Arkansas, Florida, Texas, Utah and Virginia. In total, there will be 34 stores making drone delivery available in 23 cities nationwide by year end.
“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,” DroneUp CEO Tom Walker said. “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.”
DroneUp deliveries are powered by a team of certified pilots operating within FAA guidelines to safely manage flight operations. Deliveries will be made to the safest location of the customer’s home, such as in the front or backyard or driveway. Customers can check if drone delivery is available to their homes by visiting www.droneupdelivery.com.
