Walmart launches Pickup hour for those most at-risk

Walmart has announced that at select pickup store locations, it is launching a Pickup hour for customers who are most at-risk for COVID-19.

People most exposed to the novel coronavirus can shop at the stores from 7 to 8 am any day of the week.

The hour will be reserved for people aged 60+, first responders, people with disabilities and anyone designated high-risk by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Walmart.

All other pickup times will stay open for use by this group of people.

The retail giant said this is the latest step it has taken in its COVID-19 response efforts to better support most at-risk customers. At the stores, pickup associates are already following enhanced sanitation and distancing procedures to stop the spread of the virus. Moreover, the pickup point is also contact-free. Customers just have to open their trunk, and the associates load the groceries in. Customers also don’t have to sign for the order.

There will be a new prompt on Walmart.com/grocery that shows the qualifications for opting for the slot called “At Risk Only” and enables eligible customers to opt in. Baskets can be filled through the Walmart app or the website.

Tom Ward, senior vice president at Walmart’s Customer Product, said, “Now more than ever, families are relying on our pickup service to help get quality, fresh groceries to their homes as safely as possible.”

He added, “These are extraordinary times, and we are constantly looking for ways we can help deliver that same peace of mind to all our customers, particularly those who are most at-risk.”

There are approximately 11,500 Walmart stores and clubs operating under 56 different names in 27 countries. The multinational retail corporation employs more than 2.2 million associates globally, with fiscal year 2020 revenue of $524 billion.