Walmart is to ramp up its InHome delivery grocery service from 6 million currently to more than 30 million US households by the end of this year.
The retail giant is to hire more than 3,000 associate delivery drivers this year and build out a fleet of 100% all-electric delivery vans to manage the massive expansion of the service.
Walmart’s InHome delivery service was first launched in 2019. It allows Walmart’s delivery staff to deliver fresh groceries, everyday essentials and more directly into customers’ homes. The service includes placing items in the fridge and picking up Walmart.com returns.
“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,” said Tom Ward, senior vice president, last mile at Walmart U.S.
The InHome delivery service costs $19.95 per month or $148 per year. Access is enabled through an existing smart lock, a garage keypad, or by purchasing a new smart lock from InHome for $49.95.
The drivers access customers’ homes through a one-time access code which they use to unlock the customer’s door or garage through their InHome app, which pairs with smart entry technology. The app notifies the customer at every step and the entire delivery process is recorded via cameras worn by the delivery associate and made available to the customer to view should they want to.
