Walmart becomes first retailer to offer prescriptions with groceries in a single online order

Walmart is laying claim to being the first retailer to offer refrigerated and reconstituted prescription delivery, like insulin, GLP-1s, and pediatric amoxicillin, together with groceries and everyday essentials in a single online order. 

The service is now live. With this change, Walmart says it is now able to deliver more than 90% of pharmacy medications to customers.

“We continue to unlock new levels of convenience while also broadening access to critical medications,” says Kevin Host, Senior Vice President of Pharmacy at Walmart. “Adding refrigerated prescriptions to our pharmacy delivery capabilities is the result of listening to our customers, identifying where we can create even better, seamless experiences and keeping the communities we serve at the heart of what we do.”

One year after piloting pharmacy delivery - and less than eight months after expanding it chainwide - Walmart has fulfilled over four million orders.  

Once the prescription is filled, customers receive a notification on their pharmacy account. From there, they can choose same-day scheduled, on-demand or express delivery. They can track their order status in real-time through the Walmart app.

Refrigerated medications are placed in insulated bags. The bags used for packaging are constructed with light blocking materials that shield sensitive prescriptions from UV and ambient light exposure. Customers can schedule the delivery around their availability and must sign for it via electronic signature.

Walmart+ members receive free pharmacy delivery as a member benefit, while those who are not members will pay a fee based on delivery preference.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

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

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced this week, 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.