Walmart’s answer to Amazon’s Prime service is finally here. The service underwent a major overhaul as it was planned to unroll earlier this year and the coronavirus pandemic forced the North American retailer to rethink its strategy as it enters the fierce competition with other companies in its segment like Target. Offering savings on shopping time, shipping and gas prices, Walmart Plus plans to offer its vast clientele an array of options for the future. On September 15, the retailer company will launch a subscription service with many unique features.
Walmart in the United States has no rival. With more than 4000 stores and a 2 million-man workforce, nearly every American citizen lives within 10 miles of a retail store. As shopping habits and general consumer behavior changed after the coronavirus pandemic, Walmart prepares to tackle Amazon for its shipping speeds. While unable to offer same-day shipping to all of its stores, Walmart will delve into faster distribution chain logistics by implementing grocery deliveries at competitive prices and delivery times.
In-person shopping experiences will see the benefits of a Walmart Plus membership as the company plans to make these purchases more convenient as they mix things up with other features like their “Scan & Go” modality available in their app, as well as gas fuel discounts per gallon at Walmart, Murphy Express and Murphy USA gas stations.
Walmart Wants To Tackle Amazon’s Business
Amazon Prime sits comfortably at the top of same-say shipping, the online retailer grabs the attention of most shoppers because of its vast inventory, leaving little room for competition, but just as Walmart steps in with its premium membership plan, Amazon’s dominance may be at risk.
It won’t be easy for Walmart, the retailer must face a number of variables in which Amazon has a significant advantage. As more members join Walmart Plus, and the company explores commercial options and takes advantage of its giant physical infrastructure, the distribution chain challenge for Walmart as it faces Amazon becomes fertile ground for innovations.
Walmart Plus won’t tackle Amazon Prime full-front, the long-running retailer plans on a long-term strategy as it sets foothold on a consumer market that’s in a metamorphosis as the coronavirus pandemic shifted its buying habits. Amazon Prime offers not only the best shipping times but also significant deals, Prime Music, Kindle and Prime Video. At a lower price, Walmart Plus’ $98 US-dollar subscription fee doesn’t look as competitive as Amazon’s, but consumer trends show that those with a premium subscription to a retailer are likely to have multiple versions of this service as they enjoy the many perks they receive in their nearly five-thousand stores across America.
If the Walmart Plus yearly membership price tag seems to steep, the retailer offers alternatives, like a $12.95 a month option. And comparing Walmart vs. Amazon at this point is just nonsense as the platforms need some time for review and adaptation. All in all, Walmart Plus is a very strong option that will provide consumers with quality products at the tip of their fingers.
