Walmart to use Uber to deliver to customers

Walmart customers in the United States could soon have their groceries delivered by Uber drivers under a pilot to be announced by the retail giant.

Chief executive Doug McMillon yesterday unveiled the partnership with car services Uber and Lyft at Walmart’s shareholder meeting. The company said in a blog post that it expects the trial to start within the next two weeks.

Walmart already offers an online grocery delivery service in 13 markets.

Under the new partnership, Walmart customers can place a delivery online and a Walmart employee will then request a driver from Uber or Lyft, the blog post said. The driver will pick up the order and deliver it. Customers will be charged $7-$10 for the service.

The pilot will begin in Denver, Colorado and one other city, reportedly Phoenix, Arizona.

Mr McMillon told investors in January the company would focus on being more nimble as it announced the closure of 269 stories globally.