Walmart+ ditches shipping minimum for members
Members of Walmart’s paid membership program no longer have to spend $35 to get free shipping on non-grocery items.
Friday, Dec. 4, Walmart is expanding the benefits list of its Walmart+ program by eliminating the $35 minimum requirement for free shipping on most orders from Walmart.com. Launched in September 2020, Walmart+ costs $98 a year, or $12.95 a month, with a 15-day free trial period.
Walmart+ members will receive free next-day and two-day shipping on most items shipped by Walmart, no matter the basket total. Prices on items will remain the same. Delivery from Walmart stores on items like groceries will still carry a $35 minimum.
Amazon Prime, which costs $119 a year, or $12.99 a month, also requires no minimum order to qualify for free shipping, although the Amazon Fresh online grocery delivery service carries a $35 free shipping minimum. Amazon has been making significant investments in fulfillment infrastructure to expand the assortment and geographic reach of free one-day Prime delivery.
The retailer also is expanding the number of locations where Walmart+ members can use their fuel savings benefit to include Sam’s Club fuel stations across the country. Customers now have access to fuel discounts at more than 2,000 Walmart, Murphy USA and Murphy Express fuel stations, as well as access to Sam’s Club member pricing at more than 500 Sam’s Club locations.
“It feels like a life hack is needed now more than ever, and Walmart+ is here to help,” said Janey Whiteside, chief customer officer, Walmart. “No other membership allows customers across the country to get everything from gingerbread cookies and eggnog to holiday decorations and toys delivered for free as soon as the same day. Walmart+ is designed to make life easier – giving customers an option to not have to sacrifice on cost or convenience.”
In addition to online distribution centers, Walmart+ has the reach of more than 4,700 stores, including 2,800 stores that offer delivery, reaching 70% of the U.S.