Walmart is launching its own paid membership service called Walmart Plus. Walmart Plus memberships will be available starting Sept. 15 and will cost $98 per year or $12.95 per month, including a 15-day free trial.
It appears that Amazon Prime finally has some competition for the ever-increasing number of online shoppers who are looking for fast delivery options. In comparison, Amazon Prime is $119 per year or $12.99 a month and free 30-day trial.
There is a small catch, though: During sign-up process, it appears (for now) that Walmart+ is not available in all cities. You will have to search their landing page to see if your area is currently eligible for Walmart Plus delivery.
While originally thought to debut in August, according to a report by Recode, Walmart has delayed the launchof its paid membership service by a few weeks. Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon said they have tested a membership model, reported by Business Insider. He added that customers can continue to expect low prices from the retailer.
Walmart+ perks will include same-day delivery of groceries and merchandise and early access to select deals. The new subscription service will also offer members “Scan & Go,” a touch-free way to shop in store by using the Walmart app.
Walmart Plus customers can scan their items as they shop and pay using Walmart Pay in-app. Additionally, subscribers can save up to 5 cents per gallon at nearly 2,000 Walmart, Murphy USA and Murphy Express stations. Sam’s Club fuel stations will soon be added to the list, Walmart said.
Brick-and-mortar Walmart stores will not be open this year on Thanksgiving, for the first time in more than three decades. “We know this has been a trying year, and our associates have stepped up. We hope they will enjoy a special Thanksgiving Day at home with their loved ones,” John Furner, CEO of Walmart U.S., said in a statement. As of right now, the store’s website will still be open for business on November, 26.
Amazon Fresh delivers carefully wrapped & packaged frozen food. Walmart doesn’t but makes you go into the store to purchase it. They can’t even deliver packages of cookies like other online companies
. Exactly how is Walmart a serious competitor?