Walmart Ramps Up Curbside Pickup in California

It’s safe to say that online shopping has changed the way in which consumers shop and altered expectations when it comes to service. People want what they want when they want it, and the grocery industry has taken notice. Retailers like Target have shared plans for building out eCommerce centers in its brick-and-mortar locations, the Amazon Go grocery store has taken the shopping experience to the next level. With no lines or checkout, it has effectively made the grocery shopping process much quicker for the sometimes hurried consumer.

Walmart is upping the ante on the grocery front with its grocery pickup service. As we reported in early June, Walmart has been testing out its own curbside pickup service since 2014. This free service allows consumers to shop for their grocery items online and make a two-minute pickup at a standalone kiosk outside the store.

The superstore has seen success in Seattle, Oklahoma City, and 10 locations throughout California, but it is expanding the number of locations in the Golden State. Shoppers throughout the state will see an additional 26 curbside pickup kiosks pop up in the near future.

Walmart’s eCommerce market coach, Susan Vanderlip, commented on these new locations to The Orange County Register. “Our customers have told us that grocery pickup is a game-changer. They are now able to complete their grocery shopping in a matter of minutes – between errands or on their way home – without ever getting out of the car,” Vanderlip said.

With Walmart increasing its curbside service footprint, the battle between itself and Amazon for the eCommerce crown wages on.