Walmart launching ‘Pick Up Today’ service this month

Walmart launching ‘Pick Up Today’ service this month
Tags: Customer Service, Multichannel Retailing, Online Retailing, Retail - General
March 10, 2011

Walmart has announced plans to expand its U.S. multichannel platform by launching "Pick Up Today" later this month. The service allows customers to purchase items online and receive free same-day pickup at a local Walmart store.

"Walmart is uniquely positioned to combine the power of eCommerce with our national retail footprint to offer a leading, multichannel experience that delivers the best savings and convenience to our customers," said Steve Nave, senior vice president and general manager of Walmart.com. "We've seen strong customer response from initial tests of 'Pick Up Today,' and we're pleased to expand the program to customers nationwide in the coming months."

By June, "Pick Up Today" is expected to be available in nearly 3,600 Walmart stores nationwide. According to Walmart, online orders will be ready for pickup about 4 hours after the order is placed, and orders placed after 6 p.m. will be ready for pickup at 10 a.m. the next day.

Reader Comments

Sophie Schwartz

about 14 months ago

Interesting move, already in place since years at Auchan Drive.
Key benefits : you help shoppers to save time (no wasted time in store) but ...
- the winners are the well-known strong brands, as the shopping experience is more limited, whereas when you cruise in stores, you would grasp some brands or products that you never experienced in the past
- innovation will require new channels (but this we knew it -> mass market stores are moving away from the innovation experience)
- be prepared to staff your teams and grow your parking place ! as a shopper you do not want to queue behind other cars to get access to your pick-up slot, the order has to be prepared when you arrive

and guess what ?
your primary shoppers (80% of your volumes) are women stopping there when they are on their way back from work (all at the same time) and rushing back home to start their second working day at home with their family
just needs to be very good in your new service quality