2024 Walmart News

When you are shopping in a Walmart store, you might be forgiven for mistaking an employee for a plainclothes police officer. That’s because they might be wearing a body camera.

CNBC reports that some employees in some stores may soon wear bodycams in response to rampant theft and occasional violence directed toward the staff. The network's report was based on comments from shoppers and photographs posted online.

In one photograph, a sign is visible that informs shoppers “body-worn cameras in use." For its part, Walmart isn’t revealing much.

“While we don’t talk about the specifics of our security measures, we are always looking at new and innovative technology used across the retail industry,” a Walmart spokesperson told CNBC. “This is a pilot we are testing in one market, and we will evaluate the results before making any longer-term decisions.”

That one store may be in Denton, Texas. CNBC said a shopper at that store shared a photo of an employee who wore a body camera. 

It’s not clear if Walmart will expand the program to other stores or how it will gauge the program's effectiveness. A person familiar with the program told CNBC that the goal is to ensure worker safety, not to deter theft.

Walmart’s holiday plans started rolling out in September, and now the retailer is preparing consumers for any last-minute necessities. 

Walmart has officially announced its cutoff dates for shipping gifts – and shopping for gifts. 

As consumers get ready to mark their calendars for these deadlines, Walmart is also sharing news on even more holiday deals. In the final two weeks leading up to Christmas, shoppers will have the chance to save in nearly every category as part of Walmart’s “Last-Minute Gifting” sales event. 

Deadlings for gifting

So, how much time exactly do consumers have if they want to shop at Walmart or have a gift shipped in time for the holidays? Here’s a look at Walmart’s deadlines: 

• Order by 12:30 p.m. local time on December 23 for delivery on December 25 – This is the first year that shoppers have the option to ship gifts with next-day or two-day shipping from Walmart. 

• Order by 4:00 p.m. local time on December 24 for Express Delivery – Walmart Express Delivery can get your gift delivered in 30 minutes. The retailer is also offering Walmart+ members one free Express Delivery through December 31. 

• Order by 12:00 p.m. local time on December 24 for in-store same-day pickup and delivery – Same-day pickup and delivery is always an option for shoppers, and Walmart stores will allow this option through 4:00 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve. 

"We're proud of the progress we've made this year in our supply chain transformation," said David Guggina, executive vice president of supply chain operations, Walmart U.S. “We’re ensuring customers can count on Walmart having the items they want, when they want them, no matter when they choose to shop this holiday season.”

Opportunities to save on gifts

Walmart is also offering shoppers more opportunities to save on gifts this holiday season. From December 9-24, consumers can shop Walmart’s “Last-Minute Gifts” sales event, which features discounts on toys, clothes, electronics, tech, home, beauty, and more. 

Some of the sales that are active now include: 

• JBL Tune Beam – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds: $39 (save $40)

• Cate & Chloe Sophia 18K White Gold-Plated Halo Necklace: $14.99 

• Joyspun Women’s and Women’s Plus Super Minky Fleece Long Sleep Top with Pajama Pants, 2-Piece Set: $10 (special buy)

• Paw Patrol, Marshall’s Firetruck with Figure: $5 (save $4.97)

• Project Cloud 100% Genuine Suede Snow Boots: $47.90 (save $17.09)

• LeapFrog Tad’s Fridge Phonics: $15 (save $13.67)

• Piezano Pizza Oven: $94.99 (save $40.55)

• Dakota Fleece Women’s and Girls’ Smiley Cozy Comfort Slippers: $9 (special buy)

• Ultimate Sports Bounce House, 4-in-1, 8’ x 10’: $299 (save $100)

• Nutribullet Blender Combo: $59 (special buy)

• L’Ange Hair Le Duo Titanium Flat Iron Hair Straightener: $62.30 (save $56.70)

• Squishmallows Official Cam Bean Bag Chair: $49.88 (save $4.90)

• Ozark Trail Glide Mountain Bike, 24” Wheels, 8 Speed: $148 (save $50)

• Flashforge 3D Printer: $189 (save $110)

• Perricone MD High Potency Classics Face Finishing & Firming Moisturizer: $17.50 (save $7.50)

• L.O.L. Surprise Magic Flyers: Sky Starling – Hand Guided Flying Doll: $19 (save $4.99)

The sale is running both online and in stores, and shoppers have through Christmas Eve, December 24, to get these special offers. 

Following on the heels of Amazon’s recent announcement about expanding its same-day pharmacy delivery, Walmart has now made a similar announcement. 

The budget-friendly retailer said it will begin offering same-day prescription delivery, and shoppers will be able to combine their prescriptions and general merchandise into one single order. 

“Helping customers solve missions is core to everything we do. By combining Pharmacy Delivery into a single order, we're strengthening our commitment to providing everything they need, whenever and wherever they need it,” said Tom Ward, executive vice president and chief eCommerce officer, Walmart U.S.

“If you’re sick, we can deliver the necessary medicine along with everything else you need to feel better: cough drops, a heating pad, blanket and orange juice.” 

What can consumers expect?

This new same-day pharmacy delivery option will be available for shoppers in the Walmart app or on the Walmart website, and consumers can get either new medications or prescription refills delivered to their doors.  

The same way you’d add in your grocery order or the school supplies you need, you can now also add in your prescription or other pharmacy essentials. All of the items in your order – prescriptions included – will be delivered in one shipment. 

Consumers can expect to see the following options: 

• Same-Day Scheduled Delivery: Scheduled delivery for a specific time that fits your schedule. 

• On-Demand and Express Delivery: These options will be available a bit further down the road, giving consumers the option to get their prescription orders within 30 minutes. 

• Insurance Benefits: Just as you’d use your prescription insurance benefits at the pharmacy, they can also be added to your pharmacy delivery order. 

Currently, pharmacy delivery is available in six states – Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Nevada, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. However, by the end of 2025, 49 states across the country will have access to pharmacy delivery. 

“Our extensive footprint across the nation combined with our deep expertise in pharmacy uniquely positions us to make a profound impact in the communities we serve," said Kevin Host, senior vice president of Pharmacy at Walmart U.S.

“We understand that health care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s hyper-local. Each community has unique needs. This new offering allows us to continue serving customers while also giving more time back to our pharmacies for high-touch health services.”

More details

Shoppers will be able to track their packages, and will receive images of their order delivery once the package has been dropped off. Additionally, all prescriptions will be packed in tamper-proof wrapping, and the handling of all medications will be verified by licensed pharmacists. 

The cost of pharmacy delivery will be similar to that of a regular Walmart on-demand delivery. For Walmart+ members, a pharmacy delivery will be free of charge, and those who aren’t members will be charged a $9.95 delivery fee. 

Walmart may have just done its customers a favor – a favor that consumers might not even have considered. With swipe fees costing retailers and their customers upwards of $170 billion a year, Walmart reportedly wants to continue that quest – a quest that it began in 2023 when it said it wanted to end its deal with Capital One.

Beginning in 2025, Walmart customers should see the first fruits of those labors when the company begins offering customers the option to pay directly and instantly from their bank accounts when they purchase online. 

Previously, the transactions resembled digital checks and took roughly three days to settle when processed through The Automated Clearing House. Earlier this year, Walmart began offering pay-by-bank through Walmart Pay, hoping to find its way out of that loop.

Now that it feels comfortable that everything is going as planned, customers who decide to pay-by-bank will see the purchase reflected in their bank account balance instantly and Walmart will get the funds post haste.

Another consumer-side advantage of instant pay-by-bank is that it offers consumers the advantage of avoiding stacked pending transactions on their debit cards. According to Walmart's Jamie Henry, vice president of emerging payments, customers carrying low balances can be at risk of overdraft or non-sufficient funds fees from their bank.

“When the transaction processes as a real-time payment, customers get immediate access to see that payment come through, I see it hit my account and I can properly budget,” Henry said. “It’s not as if I’ve got this phantom payment out there that’s going to take place a couple of days down the road.”

Could others follow suit?

Walmart isn’t the only one fighting this fight. Frustration has mounted among merchants across the board over fees they pay for card processing to banks and networks like Visa and Mastercard. 

During the 2023 Congressional session, the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) was reintroduced to increase competition among credit card processors. To comply with the measure, big banks would be required to accept cards from at least one network other than Visa and Mastercard.

Retailers in support of the legislation include Walmart, ​​Amazon, Best Buy, Kroger, Target, and Shopify -- all among the list of nearly 2,000 retailers, platforms, and small businesses urging lawmakers to pass the bill.  They contend that credit card processing costs are sticking it to consumers by driving up the cost of business in addition to the price shoppers pay at checkout.

In the other corner, though, are legislators who think it’s bad for small business and puts security at risk. Others say it’s corporate greed, not interchange fees, that is driving up costs for consumers.

“Big box retailers want Congress to pass the CCCA so they can pocket even more money for themselves,” claims Colorado State Rep. Sheila Lieder. 

“Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, Kroger, and Costco … are set to pocket an additional $1.2 billion from this bill while consumers are unlikely to have those savings passed on to them. We know that they will not use their windfall to lower costs at the register because we have been down this path before.”

The legislators behind the initiative say they've got "growing support," but with election season upon us and a possible change in House and Senate majorities, it might be a while before the CCCA gets out of the mud it's stuck in.

Following in the footsteps of companies like Walmart and Amazon, DoorDash is the latest company testing drone deliveries in the U.S. 

The company has been working with Wing, a drone delivery provider that also works with Walmart in Australia, where drones have successfully been delivering DoorDash orders in Queensland since 2022. Now, DoorDash has started testing the drone delivery system in Christiansburg, Virginia. 

“We are excited to expand our partnership with Wing in the U.S. to integrate drone delivery into DoorDash’s ecosystem,” said Harrison Shih, senior director of DoorDash Labs. “At DoorDash, we are committed to advancing last-mile logistics by building a multi-modal delivery platform that serves all sides of our marketplace." 

Wendy’s is the first test subject

DoorDash’s pilot drone delivery program is officially underway in Christiansburg, Virginia, and the local Wendy’s is the first restaurant to take part in this phase of testing. 

Customers in the area who place a DoorDash order from Wendy’s will have the option to choose drone delivery when they’re confirming their orders. Once confirmed, the rest of the delivery process will take place as usual. 

Wendy’s will pack up the order, and a Wing drone will pick it up and deliver it to its final destination. Wing explained that its drones travel 65 mph, and once they reach the delivery address, orders are lowered from the drone via tether onto customers’ doorsteps. 

Consumers also shouldn’t worry about the quality of their food with drone deliveries. Wing says that deliveries typically take 30 minutes or less, and because of how quickly they’re able to deliver, quality is never compromised by travel time. 

Small, short deliveries

The goal of drone delivery is to make small, short deliveries faster and more convenient for DoorDash customers. 

Another primary goal is sustainability. Drone delivery allows for fewer drivers on the roads and an overall smaller environmental footprint. 

“Wing has now made over 350,000 deliveries across three countries, and looking ahead, we are focused on providing a fast, affordable, and safe service to our partners so they can better serve their customers,” said Cosimo Leipold, head of partnerships at Wing. “This moment continues our meaningful expansion of this service in the U.S. and advances our shared goal to better the last-mile delivery ecosystem.” 

To get a better idea of how drone delivery works, watch this video: 

Even with inflation, dollar stores are having trouble attracting shoppers. Dollar Tree, which owns the Family Dollar chain, has announced it will close 970 Family Dollar stores after a disappointing fourth quarter.

Budget-conscious shoppers will still have plenty of options. Walmart has gotten more aggressive on prices and even Target has made a play for discount shoppers, launching its dealworthy discount brand.

In an earnings call with analysts, Family Dollar CEO Rick Dreiling said dollar stores, in general, are facing changing shopping habits, and Family Dollar is hampered by the macroeconomic environment.

“Our biggest problem right now is getting enough merchandise into the stores fast enough so the consumer can respond,” Dreiling said. 

Because of inflation, the company said consumers are focusing their spending on necessities and not discretionary items, which make up a significant portion of dollar store inventories.

The announcement follows a record fine

Less than a month ago Family Dollar and its parent company agreed to pay $41.675 million in connection with a rodant-infested product warehouse in West Memphis, Ark. Food, drugs and cosmetics were among the products held in unsanitary conditions.

The companies entered a guilty plea to criminal charges and as a result, received the largest fine in a food safety case.

The plea deal also requires Family Dollar and Dollar Tree to meet robust corporate compliance and reporting requirements for the next three years.

In February 2022 Family Dollar temporarily closed 404 stores served by the warehouse after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered the rodent infestation. It’s not clear whether those stores will be among those that will be closed. The company did not release a list of stores targeted for closing.

Company officials say they plan to shutter 600 Family Dollar stores in the first half of the fiscal year and close another 370 at a later time. They said they also plan to close 30 Dollar Tree locations when leases expire. There are currently 16,774 Family Dollar stores in the U.S.

For the last few months, Walmart shoppers have been able to place orders for delivery through 10:00 p.m. 

Now, the retailer is once again expanding same-day delivery services, but this time, for the morning hours. Starting in mid-March, shoppers can set-up orders to be delivered to their doorsteps starting at 6 a.m. Prior to this announcement, 8 a.m. was the earliest orders were delivered. 

“Starting at 6 a.m., earlier than ever before, customers can enjoy the convenience of on-demand delivery,” the company wrote in a statement. “This expanded timing offers them peace of mind knowing they can get things they need at their doorstep to kickstart the day.” 

Fast, early morning deliveries

Whether it’s a last minute grocery order, school supplies that you forgot to pick up, or diapers, Walmart’s early morning deliveries can be on your doorstep within 30 minutes. Baby essentials, work attire, home appliances, and outdoor supplies are all part of the possibilitiesw. 

This new delivery feature is for consumers who can’t miss their early morning meeting, need supplies before a road trip, need to prep breakfast, or just want their orders as soon as possible. 

How it works

Shoppers will be able to start placing orders for early morning deliveries in mid-March. 

To take advantage of early morning deliveries, shoppers can either go to Walmart’s website or mobile app and start creating an order the way they normally would. From there, there are two express delivery options: delivery within an hour or delivery within three hours. 

For one-hour delivery, there is a $10 delivery fee, while the three-hour delivery window comes with a $5 delivery fee. However, for those with a Walmart+ membership, there is no delivery fee. 

“As we continue to innovate and accelerate, the message is clear: shopping should be personal and as tailored to fit your lifestyle as those freshly-delivered work shirts,” Walmart said.

“With Walmart’s On-Demand Early Morning Delivery and a suite of other convenient options, we’re making sure you have what you need, when you need it, so you can reclaim your time no matter what the clock says.” 

Easter is just a few weeks away, and as consumers continue to battle inflation and rising prices, Walmart is rolling back prices for the upcoming holiday meal. 

The retailer is removing inflation from its 2024 Easter meal offerings and meal items will be priced lower than they were in 2023. 

“Saving customers money is central to Walmart’s mission, and that’s never more in focus than during important holiday celebrations,” said John Laney, executive vice president of food at Walmart. “We’re proud to offer an Easter meal priced even lower than last year, so our customers can celebrate without sacrificing the essentials this holiday season and deliver on our promise of helping them save money and live better.” 

Save on your Easter meal

Walmart has curated a full Easter meal for consumers that can run less than $8 per person. It includes everything from side dishes, to appetizers, and desserts. 

The full shopping list features:  

• Sam’s Choice Bone-in Spiral Cut Ham 8-14.6 lbs: $26.56

• Dole Pineapple Slices 20 oz can: $1.97

• White Dinner Rolls, 12 count: $1.38

• Caesar Salad Kit Family Size: $4.48

• Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes: $2.68

• Sweet Potatoes: $1.14 each

• Sweet Corn on the Cob: $3.48

• Green Beans: $0.98 

• 18-Count Large Brown Eggs: $3.92

• Paprika: $1.12

• Mayonnaise: $3.34

• Yellow Mustard: $0.98

• Marie Callender’s Dutch Apple Pie Frozen Dessert: $6.97

• Vanilla Dessert Shells: $1.84

• Frozen Whole Strawberries: $2.24

• Frozen Whipped Cream: $1.07

To feed up to 10 people, the total price of the meal comes in at under $73. Consumers can add the entire grocery list to their Walmart shopping cart for easy meal planning. 

Save on Easter baskets too

On top of savings on your Easter meal, Walmart is also offering savings on Easter baskets for kids of all ages. Similar to the curated meal, the retailer has put together a list of Easter basket items for shoppers that come in at under $20. The deal includes everything from candy, to decorations, and even paper grass. 

Additionally, Walmart has a selection of pre-made Easter baskets that range in price from $15-$25. Or, consumers can build their own Easter baskets, with a number of deals on Easter candy, toys, accessories – and even additions for pets. 

Consumers can shop the special Easter deals on meals and baskets through Easter Sunday – March 31. 

Walmart announced its plans to acquire TV company Vizio, as well as its SmartCast Operating System, for over $2 billion. 

The move pushes Walmart forward in the battle with competitors like Amazon, especially where ads are concerned. While Walmart has always been a major seller of Vizio’s TVs, the acquisition also gives the retailer more opportunities for ad placements. 

“The acquisition of Vizio and its SmartCast Operating System would enable Walmart to connect with and serve its customers in new ways, including innovative television and in-home entertainment and media experiences,” the company said in a statement. “It would also create new opportunities to help advertisers connect with customers, empowering brands with differentiated and compelling opportunities to engage at scale and to realize greater impact from their advertising spend with Walmart.” 

What does this mean for the future?

With the acquisition, Walmart is setting up to expand its media company, Walmart Connect. Through Connect, Walmart is able to work with advertisers to get their products in front of shoppers, whether that’s in stores, online, or through sponsored media content. 

“Our media business, Walmart Connect, is helping brands create meaningful connections with the millions of customers who shop with us each week,” said Seth Dallaire, Walmart’s executive vice president and chief revenue officer. “We believe the combination of these two businesses would be impactful as we redefine the intersection of retail and entertainment.” 

In working with Vizio, Walmart will be able to grow that reach even further. Vizio’s SmartCast Operating System currently has over 18 million active accounts, and the company has over 500 advertising partnerships. 

Every Vizio TV comes loaded with SmartCast, which gives Walmart the chance to place ads in these systems. 

A new streaming service? 

Looking to the future, experts predict that Walmart could use this partnership to develop a streaming network, much in the same way Amazon did with Prime. 

“Longer term, Walmart can use the Vizio platform to develop more of its own entertainment content – something it might link with the Walmart+ membership scheme,” Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, told CBS News. 

Walmart’s drone delivery service is expanding to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. 

The company has announced that nearly 75% of the DFW population will be able to order via drone delivery by the end of 2024. Including previous drone delivery locations in Frisco and Lewisville, the addition of DFW will give Walmart the edge as the retailer with the largest drone delivery footprint in the U.S. 

“This expansion will bring the ultimate convenience of drone delivery to communities across the DFW area,” said Prathibha Rajashekhar, senior vice president, Innovation & Automation, Walmart U.S. “Customers will have access to a broad assortment of items from Walmart available for delivery to their home in just minutes. 

“Drone delivery is not just a concept of the future, it’s happening now and will soon be a reality for millions of additional Texans.”

A more convenient delivery method 

The expansion of drone delivery services in the DFW area is possible due to Walmart’s partnership with two drone delivery providers – Zipline and Wing. With their help, more than 30 towns across DFW will be able to get their favorite Walmart products delivered via drone. 

The primary reason to order goods via drone delivery is convenience. Walmart says that customers can expect to see their deliveries arrive in as few as 10 minutes, or as many as 30 minutes. 

Consumers can place drone delivery orders for just about anything – grocery items they forgot for their dinner, a snack they’re craving late at night, cold medicine that they need in a pinch, etc. 

These types of deliveries aren’t just for one-off items either. Shoppers will be able to select multiple items to be delivered – quickly – via drone. 

Safety is key

As convenient as drone delivery will be for consumers, Walmart is also reassuring shoppers that the new delivery system is equally as safe. 

The company explained that they’ve been testing the technology over the last few years, and in that time, 20,000 safe deliveries were completed. On top of that, both Wing and Zipline have a history of safety and efficiency with delivering goods via drone. 

How it works

When ordering from Walmart, customers will place their orders as they typically do, and select “drone delivery” at checkout. From there, the delivery will be boxed up and loaded onto an aircraft for delivery. 

Much in the same way that shoppers track packages they order online, consumers will be able to track the flight of their drone delivery. Shoppers will get notifications when the drone is approaching, and a tether will drop down from the drone, unclipping the package at the final destination. 

Consumers will be eligible for drone delivery from stores within 10 miles of their addresses, and more information on eligibility will be available in the coming months.