Retailer explores new options for getting orders to customers

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart on Thursday said it has added four delivery companies to bolster its grocery delivery service. The addition of the companies — Point Pickup, Skipcart, AxleHire and Roadie — helps Walmart expand its grocery delivery program, available in more than 800 stores. Another 800 are being added in 2019, the company said in a post on its corporate website.

“With the help of these new delivery partners, we’re making grocery shopping even easier by bringing the everyday-low prices of Walmart right to the front door of customers,” wrote Tom Ward, senior vice president of digital operations at Walmart U.S.

Walmart currently is working with DoorDash, Postmates and Deliv for grocery deliveries. It is also testing a crowd-sourced alternative, called Spark Delivery, that recruits drivers in Uber fashion for individual grocery deliveries. And Walmart previously announced pilots of grocery delivery programs using autonomous-driving vehicles.

The company said it also offers a grocery pickup service that allows customers to order their groceries online and pick them up in stores without getting out of their cars. That option is available in 2,100 stores, with another 1,000 to be added this year.