Walmart Responds to Costco and Target: Last-Minute Confirmation to Its Members

In the midst of competition with giants like Costco and Target, Walmart has launched a strategic update that could redefine its delivery model. With a completely new technological platform, the chain seeks to expand its reach and improve the efficiency of its service. This move aims to capture millions of new customers, especially those who were previously outside their delivery zones.

Walmart Changes Its System

Until now, Walmart defined its delivery areas using zip codes. This system, although functional, had limitations. Many customers near stores were excluded from the service simply for being outside a marked zone.

The new solution abandons that method. Instead, Walmart has adopted a geospatial grid system. These small areas, similar to pixels of a digital image, allow for a more precise evaluation of the logistical viability of each order.

A Change That Expands Coverage to 12 Million People

Thanks to this new structure, Walmart claims it will be able to add up to 12 million customers to its delivery zones. The system detects variables such as demand, store capacity, traffic, and available schedules, all in real time.

This means that delivery zones can now be adjusted dynamically. Instead of following fixed boundaries, the system adapts to the real conditions of the environment. As a result, more people will be able to receive products at home, even if they were previously outside the coverage area.

Combined Orders from Multiple Stores

In addition to the change in coverage, Walmart is implementing another improvement: the ability to combine products from different stores in a single order. Until now, each order depended exclusively on an assigned store. If an item was not available, the customer had to wait or look for it at another branch on their own.

With this new function, delivery drivers can pick up products from more than one nearby store. This reduces wait times and avoids split deliveries. For users, it represents a clear improvement in convenience and speed.

Walmart Takes Advantage

Walmart has highlighted that 90% of the U.S. population lives less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) from one of its stores. This network gives it a great logistical advantage over other chains. With the new platform, it will be able to leverage that proximity even more, making its delivery system more agile and precise.

This update is a direct response to the recent improvements launched by Costco and Target. Both chains have driven changes in their stores and services to retain their customers. However, Walmart bets that its model, now more flexible and personalized, will give it a lasting competitive advantage.

Walmart not only seeks to improve its logistics. This step also reflects a broader vision of the future of retail. By using technology to adapt its service in real time, the chain shows how innovation can directly impact the customer experience.