Walmart notches up drone deliveries milestone and eyes further progress in 2023

Walmart says that it completed more than 6,000 drone deliveries in 2022, in as little as 30 minutes per pop.

The top five items delivered via drone were: Great Value Cookies and Cream Ice Cream 16 oz, 2lb Bag of Lemons, Freshness Guaranteed Hot Rotisserie Chicken, Red Bull 8.4 fl. oz, and Bounty Select-a-Size Paper Towels.

Currently 85% of items in a Walmart Neighborhood Market meet the 10 lb. weight and volume requirements for drone delivery.

The retailer now operates, in partnership with its vendors, 36 drone delivery hubs across seven US states.

This marks completion of its drone hub expansion plans that it announced last year. 

Vik Gopalakrishnan, Vice President, Innovation & Automation, Walmart U.S., says: “I’m incredibly proud of our team for creating the largest drone delivery footprint of any US retailer and providing customers with an incredibly fast – and innovative – option for delivery.”

“We’re encouraged by the positive response from customers and look forward to making even more progress in 2023.” 

Arizona, Texas and Florida

Last month, Walmart said that its drone delivery service was now available for select customers in the Arizona, Texas and Florida markets.

In Phoenix, Arizona, the option will be fulfilled from four stores.

In the Dallas area of Texas, it will be fulfilled from 11 stores.

And from seven stores in Tampa and Orlando, Florida.

2022 RTIH Innovation Awards

Walmart emerged victorious at the 2022 RTIH Innovation Awards last month, picking up the Most Innovative Global Retailer gong.

Our 2022 winners were revealed at a sold out event in central London on Tuesday, 6th December.

RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, said: “Innovation and technology play a critical role in the success of the retail sector, so it is great to recognise standout examples through our awards.”

“Thanks to all those who entered the 2022 event. We received a record number of submissions and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.”

“Congratulations to our 2022 retail technology hall of fame entrants.”