Drugstore dagger: Walmart adds same-day prescription delivery service

Walmart (NYSE:WMT) is adding a new service that has the potential to be disruptive. The retail giant will begin to deliver prescriptions to households in the U.S. in as little as 30 minutes. The service will see customers have the ability to add prescriptions and medication refills to their orders for groceries and other products. Notably, the service will be free for customers of Walmart+

The Bentonville-based company aims to have prescription delivery will be available in 49 states by the end of January, with coverage of more than 86% of U.S. households. Walmart (WMT) Chief eCommerce Office Tom Ward noted that sick shoppers need more than just a prescription. “It’s the comfort things such as tea and chicken noodle soup,” he told Bloomberg.

In a recent survey, Walmart (WMT) customers were asked how the company could better serve them. Over half (55%) expressed a desire to have their prescriptions delivered along with their groceries and other items they need in a single online order. This service was the most requested by Walmart (WMT) customers who self-identified as time-sensitive, busy families.

The prescription delivery program will put Walmart (WMT) in a more competitive position against Amazon and pharmacy chains such as Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) and CVS Health (CVS). For its part, Amazon (AMZN) is targeting the opening of pharmacies in 20 new cities and offering same-day prescription delivery to nearly half of U.S. households next year. Walgreens (WBA) and CVS Health (CVS) both offer same-day prescription delivery in some select locations. However, even against those retail giants, Walmart (WMT) may be able to leverage its fast delivery times, large network of stores, and wide range of products.