(Photo: Walmart)
It looks like the retailer is about to give Amazon a run for its money
Walmart will soon unveil its own membership program and the retailer hopes that it will become a worthy alternative to Amazon Prime.
Called Walmart+, the subscription service will cost $98 a year and include perks like same-day delivery of groceries, merchandise, discounts on fuel at Walmart gas stations, and early access to product deals. Walmart+ was originally supposed to go public back in March or April, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the retailer was forced to push back its launch date.
As of right now, it is unclear whether Walmart+ will launch nationally or start off small on the regional level. The program is meant to be a competitor with Amazon Prime, a loyalty program belonging to Amazon that boasts more than 150 million members globally and offers perks such as discounts at Whole Food stores, a catalog of TV shows and movies and express delivery of groceries and other retail items.
Amazon Prime members pay $119 annually while students get a price break and pay $59. Because many Walmart shoppers have Amazon Prime memberships, the retailer will have to find ways to make their service more appealing in order to see its subscription service become a success.
Walmart also has plans to add video entertainment components to its program, but details of this remain limited.
By: Maytinee Kramer
