Lookout Amazon, Here Comes Walmart+
Why should Amazon have all the fun? Walmart is launching Walmart+ in hopes of competing with Amazon Prime.
And so it begins. Walmart's quest to compete with Amazon Prime has started. It's called Walmart+ and according to an article from KWTX, it'll cost $98 a year. That is, unless you prefer the monthly payment plan of $12.95 a month. Once you become a member, you'll get same day delivery on 160,000 items, plus savings at the gas pump at certain gas stations and a chance to avoid the lines at the register.
Walmart+ will officially launch on September 15, so you have some time to decide if you want in right away or if you prefer to wait to see how everything goes first.
Online shopping has been on the rise and Amazon Prime, which launched in 2005, has added 150 million members worldwide. Walmart has seen online sales grow during the pandemic, but they still have a long way to go to catch Amazon Prime. According to market research firm eMarketer, Walmart is expected to take in 6% of all online sales in the U.S. with Amazon taking in 38%
So let's look at the benefits of Walmart+.
- Must spend at least $35 online to get free same day delivery
- 160,000 items qualify including groceries, toys, electronics, toilet paper and soap
- Member get a 5 cent discount at Murphy gas stations and at Walmart pumps
- Members can unlock an app to scan items and pay as they shop, avoiding the register
Like I said, Walmart will have a long way to go to catch up with Amazon Prime, but it's got to start somewhere.