Walmart is taking its drone delivery mainstream. In a landmark logistics expansion, the Bentonville-based retailer announced plans to roll out aerial delivery services to over 100 U.S. stores in partnership with Wing – the drone subsidiary of Alphabet, Google's parent company. This initiative represents one of the largest drone delivery expansions ever attempted by a major U.S. retailer.
How It Works: Deliveries in 30 Minutes or Less
Customers in select markets can now order items online and receive them via drone in 30 minutes or less, thanks to Wing’s lightweight, automated aircraft. The drones can carry small packages, typically under 2.5 pounds, and deliver them to residential locations using a tethered system that lowers packages to the ground from a hover.
Wing’s drones operate autonomously under FAA clearance and are capable of covering a 6-mile radius from each participating store. The technology aims to dramatically improve the speed and convenience of last-mile fulfillment.
Where and When
The expansion will initially focus on key suburban areas across Texas, Florida and Arizona, with more states to follow. Walmart already operates drone delivery from seven stores, but this rollout will scale it to 100+ locations by the end of 2025.
This growth comes as part of Walmart’s larger omnichannel strategy, integrating fast digital services such as curbside pickup, GoLocal last-mile logistics and micro-fulfillment centers to meet evolving shopper expectations.
Strategic Context: Why Drone Delivery Now?
- Consumer Demand: Online shoppers are seeking faster, contactless fulfillment options, especially for small, high-turn items like health products, snacks or home essentials.
- Cost Efficiency: Drones offer a potential reduction in last-mile delivery costs, which can account for over 50% of total fulfillment expenses.
- Competitive Edge: Walmart’s move positions it ahead of competitors like Amazon and Target in scaling operational drone use beyond pilot programs.
Wing CEO Adam Woodworth said the technology is now mature enough for commercial deployment at scale, and Walmart’s vast store network makes it a perfect partner.
What’s Next?
Walmart’s partnership with Wing is just one piece of its broader logistics evolution. Analysts expect more investment in aerial logistics, automated fulfillment and AI-powered inventory systems as the retail giant races to deliver omnichannel excellence.
As drone delivery lifts off at scale, Walmart is proving that Bentonville is not just the home of retail, but it is now the control tower for the future of last-mile delivery.
