Walmart unveils membership service with free delivery, no lines

[NEW YORK] Walmart Inc on Tuesday unveiled the perks of its new membership program, Walmart Plus, which will grant subscribers unlimited free delivery, fuel discounts and no checkout lines.

Touted as a rival to Amazon.com Inc's Prime subscription, Walmart's new loyalty programme will cost US$98 a year or US$12.95 a month. It will become available to all US-based customers on Sept 15.

Amazon Prime, which offers US shoppers fast shipping, streaming video and other services, costs US$119 a year or US$12.99 a month.

"We are a company committed to meeting our customers' needs," said Janey Whiteside, chief customer officer at Walmart. "We've designed this programme as the ultimate life hack for them."

The service aims to both attract new customers and turn existing ones into even more loyal shoppers, Ms Whiteside said.

Members will have access to same-day delivery on more than 160,000 items from toys to groceries. To qualify, orders must be at least US$35.

Walmart was already offering a similar service called "Delivery Unlimited", which allowed an unlimited number of deliveries for a yearly or monthly fee. Members of this service will automatically become Walmart Plus members.

The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer has also invested in services like curbside pickup and next-day and two-day delivery.

Using the Walmart app, Walmart Plus members will be able to scan their purchases as they shop and pay without having to wait in line. Additionally, members can save up to 5 cents per 3.78 litres at nearly 2,000 Walmart, Murphy USA and Murphy Express fuel stations.

On Thursday, Walmart said it was joining Microsoft in a bid for social media company TikTok's US assets as it also seeks to expand its advertising business.

REUTERS