Since Walmart quietly launched its subscription program two weeks ago, the retail giant has been pretty vocal about its version of Amazon’s Subscribe & Save, especially for Walmart+ customers.
Walmart’s program allows shoppers to “subscribe” to various products on the store’s website and set up automatic delivery. This special feature targets “everyday necessities.” It’s similar to Amazon’s subscription program, which offers discounts on regular orders of everything from dish detergent to diapers. Similarly, when shoppers select products, they can choose to set up a subscription that guarantees product quantity and delivery frequency. Customers can also view, add, and remove subscription items.
The program is just the latest example of growing competition between Walmart, the nation’s largest general merchandise retailer, and Amazon, the largest online retailer. Walmart has set an example for its competitors by enhancing its convenience services and expanding the capabilities of its subscription program to match its Prime offerings.
With a Walmart+ subscription, customers enjoy free shipping, curbside pickup, fuel discounts, and the Paramount+ Essential plan, all for $2 less than Amazon Prime members. Additionally, members have access to six ad-free seasons of TV shows each month in the On-Demand category through Pluto TV.
Walmart+ customers also get free shipping on their subscriptions, while other customers pay a delivery fee.
This is similar to Amazon’s subscription auto-delivery service, which offers the biggest savings to Prime members. If you’re a Prime member, you’ll get 5% off your order and free shipping. According to Amazon, non-Prime members may be charged a shipping fee for the first delivery. The company says customers can save 15% when they receive five or more items to one address with one automatic delivery per month.
Walmart’s e-commerce division started gaining momentum earlier this year. The company’s online sales in the United States increased by 27% in the first quarter of 2023, and total revenue increased by 7.6% year over year.
So far, Walmart mirroring Amazon has been successful, but with competing services, customers may feel the need to stick with just one service at some point.