Less than a week into the new year, and Walmart is already making progress on its resolution to expand InHome Delivery to more customers.
The retailer this week announced plans to make its service available to 30 million US households by the end of 2022—with the help of more than 3,000 new couriers and a fleet of all-electric delivery vans.
Launched in 2019 for customers in Florida, Kansas, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, Walmart’s InHome service aims to “help customers save time and offer yet another convenient choice for grocery shopping.” Simply place an order online, choose InHome Delivery and a dispatch day, and leave the rest up to Walmart associates, who can decant items straight into your kitchen or garage fridge, even if you’re not home.
Workers use a one-time access code to unlock your door via a smart lock or keypad; wearable cameras allow customers to watch the drop-off live or as archived video up to a week after delivery. The service costs $19.95 per month (or $148 annually) and includes tips. Users can also buy a Walmart-branded smart lock for $49.95.
“We’ve been operating InHome in select markets over the last two years and have found it is a perfect solution for customers who want to live their lives without worrying about making it to the store or being home to accept a delivery,” Tom Ward, senior vice president of last mile at Walmart, said in a statement.
To support its growing service, the retailer is opening a new, full-time role for associate delivery drivers. InHome agents receive an extra $1.50/hour and qualify for medical, vision, and dental insurance; 401(k) matching; paid time off; no-cost counselling; and access to a free college degree. Plus, they’ll be equipped with one of Walmart’s new all-electric vans—5,000 of which will be supplied by BrightDrop as part of the retailer’s goal of operating a zero-emissions logistics fleet by 2040.
