Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Utah and Virginia See 6,000 Deliveries off the Bat

Walmart has expanded its burgeoning drone delivery program, capping off 2022 with the last of its ambitious expansion plans.

Heading into 2023, the company operates 36 drone delivery hubs across 7 states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Utah and Virginia. The rollout is assisted by a series of vendors, turning unused areas around stores into a turnkey drone-specific airfield, launching UAVs with small, sub-10 lb parcels to nearby customers. Throughout the year, the company completed more than 6,000 deliveries to customers, often making their shipment in as little as 30 minutes. 

The most popular items? Wal Mart’s house brand Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, 2lb Bags of Lemons, ready-made Rotisserie Chicken, Red Bull, and Bounty Paper Towels. The company notes that more than 85% of the stock in the average Walmart Neighborhood Market (their grocery-only storefront) meets the 10 lb. weight and volume requirements for drone delivery. Last year’s expansion is just the start, with more than 4,700 stores within reach of 90% of the population. 

“I’m incredibly proud of our team for creating the largest drone delivery footprint of any U.S. retailer and providing customers with an incredibly fast – and innovative – option for delivery,” said Vik Gopalakrishnan, vice president, innovation & automation, Walmart U.S., “We’re encouraged by the positive response from customers and look forward to making even more progress in 2023.”

FMI: www.walmart.com