Have you ever thought about having your clothing order taken to your home by a drone? Well, Walmart has already done it. On its aim to continue focusing on strengthening its logistics strategy and being a leader in commercial innovation. To do this, it wants to take a step forward by incorporating technology into its home deliveries. Over the next year, the United States will see its orders through electronic commerce be taken to homes by drones. The retail company has made what we have only saw in series or in our imagination a real scenario.
Walmart
The well-known multinational US-based retail corporation has been operating in the country since 1962. With a catalog that includes tires, refrigerators, Smart Tvs, mattresses, home products, and even take-away food, operates in more countries beyond the US borders. It is one of the largest companies competing with Amazon in terms of product variety, prices and home delivery. That’s why they are working hard to improve their logistics, marketing and user experience strategies.
How can I access this delivery drone service?
Throughout the next year, it is intended to continue with the same logistics strategy, with the expansion of the service of drones in 100 stores located in Charlotte, Orlando, Houston, Tampa and Atlanta. Florida, Georgia, Texas, Arkansas and North Carolina will benefit from this service. Walmart started this venture by the DroneUp company, with which it intended to cover 6 states.
However, their collaboration was terminated as it did not meet expectations. Today, Wing and Zipline are the drone companies in charge of deliveries. These companies manage the 21 drone operations centers located in Arkansas and Texas. As long as the home order is processed through the Wing app, delivery will be completely free. However, the city of Dallas will face a $20 fee unless the customer is a Walmart+ member.
Drones and other delivery systems
Products such as ice cream, eggs, pet food and fresh fruit are the most shipped according to Greg Cathey, senior vice president of transformation and innovation and Walmart U.S. According to Cathey, the drone service is often used for urgent goods like medicines or bread. Drone delivery is not the only method of home delivery that Walmart has. According to Kieran Shanahan, Director of Operations of Walmart u.S., there is also the service Delivery Expres, which delivers in less than 30 minutes, and the InHome, payment by subscription service that delivers the order within the home.
According to Cathey, more of the 150 products that make up the catalog of Walmart are suitable for delivery via drone. Can you imagine that your new Smart TV will come flying in? It probably belongs to the remaining 50% who are not suitable, thankfully. The company states that progress is incremental, as multiple tests have been required, which were conducted in Arkansas, Bentonville and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Walmart vs Amazon
The struggle between Walmart and Amazon is no surprise. Against all odds, Amazon lags behind in this race. With its goal of reaching 500 million deliveries annually with its Prime Air service, it ranks behind Walmart. In addition, their advance has slowed down after having problems with an anomaly in the sensors of their drones, preventing their operations at College Station and Tolleson. The home delivery sector faces technical and regulatory problems when flying its drones. However, if these drawbacks are overcome, the home delivery sector could change its strategy forever. Walmart continues to focus on efficiency, speed in delivery and improving the user experience.
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