Walmart expanding its drone delivery around Tampa Bay
Whether it’s groceries, over-the-counter medications, or meals, drones are becoming the future of delivery.
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Walmart is expanding its drone delivery service to five more major United States cities, the company announced.
The retail corporation is set to offer the amenity in parts of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Texas, Walmart wrote in a press release. The company already offered drone delivery in Dallas, Texas and Bentonville, Arkansas.
Walmart said it has made more than 150,000 drone deliveries since launching the service in 2021.
“This expansion underscores Walmart’s commitment to reshaping the future of fast and flexible retail,” the release reads.
Here is what to know about the service and where it’s expanding.
Walmart expanding drone delivery to 4 new cities
Walmart, according to its website, now offers drone delivery in these five new cities:
- Atlanta
- Charlotte
- Houston
- Orlando
- Tampa
Which cities already offer Walmart drone delivery?
Walmart currently provides drone delivery in Dallas as well as it its headquarters city of Bentonville, Arkansas.
Including the expanded sites, Walmart said it will offer drone delivery services at a total of 100 stores.
“This expansion of our drone delivery service marks a significant milestone in that journey,” Greg Cathey, senior vice president of Walmart U.S. Transformation and Innovation said in the release. “As the first retailer to scale drone delivery, Walmart is once again demonstrating its commitment to leveraging technology to enhance our delivery offerings with a focus on speed.”
How can shoppers use drone delivery in new cities?
Walmart encourages those looking to use drone deliveries in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando and Tampa to sign up on Wing to be notified of when the service becomes available in their market. For shoppers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Walmart said you can check your eligibility here.
When did Walmart start drone delivery?
Walmart and other big businesses including Amazon began using drone delivery in recent years.
Walmart began testing drone delivery in 2020 and the following year, the company announced it invested in drone company DroneUp. Since then, the retailer has continued to offer drone deliveries to more markets and customers.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
