Walmart announced this week that it will soon begin offering drone delivery services to customers in Charlotte. The expansion is part of a broader rollout to five new cities, including Houston, Tampa, Orlando, and Atlanta.
In a June 5 press release, the retail giant confirmed a partnership with drone operator Wing to support the service. This announcement comes just a month after DoorDash launched their own drone delivery service in partnership with Wing.
“As we look ahead, drone delivery will remain a key part of our commitment to redefining retail. We’re pushing the boundaries of convenience to better serve our customers, making shopping faster and easier than ever before,” said Greg Cathey, senior vice president of Walmart U.S. Transformation and Innovation in a press release. “This expansion of our drone delivery service marks a significant milestone in that journey. As the first retailer to scale drone delivery, Walmart is once again demonstrating its commitment to leveraging technology to enhance our delivery offerings with a focus on speed.”
Initially launched in Dallas, Texas, and Bentonville, Arkansas, Walmart’s drone delivery now extends to 100 stores across seven metropolitan areas.
In Charlotte, shoppers living within a six-mile radius of participating stores will soon be eligible for drone delivery. During checkout, customers can specify the exact drop-off location, such as a front yard, backyard, or driveway.
Wing’s drones can travel at speeds up to 65 mph and deliver items in specially designed boxes. While Walmart has not disclosed the delivery cost, the company said the average fulfillment time in its initial markets has been just 19 minutes.
Walmart reports tens of thousands of drone deliveries completed to date. Charlotte customers can sign up at wing.com/walmart to be notified when drone service becomes available in their area.
