Walmart is speeding up its delivery game as US retail giant pursues aggressive roadmap

Walmart is reshaping retail delivery with speeds that seemed impossible just years ago. The company's US CEO recently revealed that its fastest time this year clocked in at under five minutes, with routine deliveries now happening in under 30 minutes.

How is it able to achieve this?

"Its 4,700 location network serves as a "forward deployed fulfillment network" that puts millions of items within quick reach of 94% of the US population within three hours, expanding to 95% by year-end. This infrastructure gives its a significant edge over competitors like Amazon," says Rahul Saraswat, Senior VP, Head of E-commerce, Operations and Logistics at Aventis Systems.

He adds: "What does it mean for Walmart's business? This ultra fast delivery strategy drives substantial value beyond customer satisfaction. Customers using ultra fast delivery purchase 13% more items than regular shoppers and spend twice as much as average digital customers, jumping to three times as much for frequent users. The premium service typically requires paid memberships or additional fees, creating highly profitable revenue streams.”

As for the future, Walmart's roadmap is aggressive. Three days will turn into two, two into next day, next day into same day, same day into sub-same-day, it claims. And more and more items will be offered at ultra fast speeds in minutes.

"With store fulfilled delivery sales jumping nearly 50% last quarter, this infrastructure driven approach positions Walmart uniquely in the evolving retail landscape," says Saraswat.

"The company's ability to fulfill one in fifteen store orders within 30 minutes demonstrates how traditional retail assets can become powerful competitive advantages in the digital age."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

On demand delivery will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.