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From Walmart launches Express Pickup curbside service using Ipsos survey insights

How could Walmart's new curbside service affect Amazon's market position?

Possible What happens if… A possibility worth considering, not a forecast.

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.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Oct 12
Effect
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When
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The story
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How it reaches Amazon

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The facts so far

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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?

What would change this answer

Walmart rapidly expands Express Pickup nationwideThe competitive pressure on Amazon's local fulfillment network would increase significantly, potentially forcing Amazon to adjust its pricing or delivery guarantees.
Amazon launches a comparable, free curbside pickup serviceThe competitive intensity would stabilize, as both retailers would offer similar convenience options to consumers.

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  • About Small Commission

    If Walmart's Express Pickup relies on a smaller commission structure than Amazon's, how might that affect the long-term profitability of the service?

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Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.