How could Walmart's new curbside service affect Amazon's market position?
Walmart's Express Pickup may challenge Amazon's delivery dominance Walmart is rolling out Express Pickup, a new curbside service that allows customers to order through the Walmart app and collect items in as little as one hour, at no extra cost. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to compete aggressively on convenience during the holiday shopping season. The move is informed by a 2025 Ipsos survey, which showed that 71% of curbside pickup users are likely to use the service again. By offering a fast, free, and convenient fulfillment option, Walmart is directly competing with the core e-commerce and last-mile delivery services provided by Amazon.
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How it reaches Amazon
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Walmart introduced Express Pickup, a new curbside service allowing shoppers to order through the Walmart app and collect items in as little as one hour. The service is free for eligible customers and is rolling out to 500 stores before expanding nationwide. This launch follows a 2025 Ipsos survey which found that 46% of curbside pickup users use the service weekly.
The full event1independent outlet -
Express Pickup allows customers to place an order via the Walmart app and have it ready for curbside collection in as little as one hour, and it is offered at no additional cost. This convenience and speed directly competes with the fulfillment and last-mile delivery services offered by Amazon.
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- Walmart introduced Express Pickup, a new curbside service for holiday shopping.foreignpolicyjournal.com
- Express Pickup allows orders to be ready for curbside collection in as little as one hour.foreignpolicyjournal.com
- The service is offered at no additional cost for eligible customers.foreignpolicyjournal.com
- The 2025 Ipsos survey found 71% of curbside pickup users are likely to use the service again.foreignpolicyjournal.com
Why it matters
The battle for consumer convenience is a major strategic focus for large retailers. By leveraging data to launch a fast, free, and convenient curbside option, Walmart is directly targeting the same consumer needs—speed and ease of purchase—that Amazon has successfully capitalized on. This move positions Walmart to capture market share during critical shopping periods like Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
This competitive dynamic is part of a broader retail landscape where major players like Walmart and Amazon are constantly vying for dominance. Walmart's ability to integrate its physical store network with high-speed digital fulfillment capabilities puts pressure on competitors who rely heavily on centralized logistics and delivery networks.
What we don't know yet
- How quickly will Walmart expand Express Pickup beyond the initial 500 stores?
- How will Amazon respond to the increased competition in the curbside and local delivery market?
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