Walmart ‘Averaging Under an Hour’ for Express Delivery
Walmart has made significant strides in its e-commerce operations, particularly in the realm of express delivery. According to recent statements from CEO John Furner, the retail giant is now averaging under an hour for express delivery services, a remarkable feat that reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing customer experience.
Rapid Growth in E-commerce
The efficiency of Walmart’s last-mile delivery system has proven to be beneficial for its U.S. e-commerce operations. In the fourth quarter, e-commerce sales surged by 27 percent, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of over 20 percent growth in this sector. This growth is indicative of Walmart’s successful adaptation to the rising demand for online shopping, particularly in the wake of changing consumer behaviors.
Express Delivery Service
Walmart’s Express Delivery service is designed to get products to customers within a three-hour window. Notably, a significant portion of e-commerce orders are now being delivered in under 30 minutes. This rapid service is not only a response to customer demand but also a strategic move to capture a larger share of the market.
Furner highlighted that the sub-one-hour delivery option is the fastest-growing channel among the various delivery options Walmart offers. The growth in same-day delivery has increased by more than 60 percent year-over-year in the U.S., building on a staggering 180 percent increase in expedited delivery services reported in the previous year.
Financial Performance
The financial implications of Walmart’s express delivery services are noteworthy. Sales through expedited store-fulfilled delivery channels grew more than 50 percent, showcasing the success of this initiative. Additionally, the e-commerce segment has been profitable for all four quarters of 2025, with Walmart enjoying double-digit incremental margins.
John David Rainey, Walmart’s Chief Financial Officer, emphasized the low marginal cost of growth within the digital platform, indicating that the company is well-positioned to continue expanding its e-commerce operations without significant additional investment.
Automation and Supply Chain Efficiency
Walmart is also focusing on automating its supply chain to enhance efficiency. The company is on track with its plans to retrofit distribution centers with robotics and automation technologies, aiming for completion by 2030. This modernization includes replacing outdated conveyor systems that have been in use for decades.
Approximately 60 percent of Walmart’s stores are now receiving freight from automated distribution centers, and about 50 percent of e-commerce fulfillment center volume is automated. These advancements are crucial for managing inventory effectively and keeping operational costs low.
Investment in Infrastructure
To further support its e-commerce growth, Walmart is investing heavily in expanding its physical distribution network. Recently, the company acquired a 1.2-million-square-foot warehouse in East Hartford, Connecticut, for $212.6 million. This acquisition is part of a broader strategy that includes a $300 million investment to build another fulfillment center in Kings Mountain, North Carolina.
Walmart is also set to open its fifth “next-gen” fulfillment center in Stockton, California, by the end of 2026. These investments are essential for placing inventory closer to customers, thereby maximizing delivery speed and efficiency.
Overall Financial Outlook
In the most recent quarter, Walmart reported a revenue increase of 5.6 percent, reaching $190.7 billion. E-commerce sales saw a global jump of 24 percent, while comparable store sales in the U.S. rose by 4.6 percent, totaling $129.2 billion. Despite a 19 percent decline in net income to $4.2 billion, gross margins improved to 24 percent of sales.
Looking ahead, Walmart forecasts a sales increase of 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent, with operating income expected to grow between 6 percent and 8 percent. Rainey noted the importance of cautious optimism given the current economic landscape.
Conclusion
Walmart’s commitment to enhancing its express delivery services and investing in automation and infrastructure is setting the stage for continued growth in its e-commerce operations. As the retail landscape evolves, Walmart’s strategies appear to be well-aligned with consumer expectations, positioning the company for future success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Walmart is currently averaging under one hour for express delivery services, with many orders being delivered in less than 30 minutes.
Walmart’s e-commerce sales grew by 27 percent in the fourth quarter, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of over 20 percent growth.
Walmart is investing in automation technologies for its distribution centers and expanding its physical distribution network, including acquiring new warehouses and building fulfillment centers.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest available data as of February 2026.
