CHARLOTTE — Walmart has launched drone delivery at seven stores across the Charlotte region, allowing eligible customers to get select groceries, household supplies, and other small items delivered in as little as 30 minutes.
The service is available at stores in Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Kannapolis, Kings Mountain, Lincolnton, and Shelby, Tom Kuhn, head of communications for drone delivery company Wing, told The Charlotte Observer.
Kuhn demonstrated the service Tuesday at the Walmart Supercenter on Galleria Boulevard in southeast Charlotte.
“There’s no waiting at a red light when you’re in the sky,” Kuhn said.
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The rollout is part of Walmart and Wing’s expansion, with plans to offer drone delivery at more than 270 stores by 2027. Two more Charlotte locations, 9820 Callabridge Court and 3850 E. Independence Blvd., are expected to join in the coming weeks.
Customers can order eligible items through Walmart, with drone delivery appearing as an option if their address is within the service area. Items include select groceries, meals, household supplies, and over-the-counter medicines, subject to size and weight limits.
The drones weigh about 10 pounds and can carry packages weighing up to 2.5 pounds. They have a one-way range of about 6 miles and lower packages to the ground on a tether while hovering about 23 feet overhead. Customers need a clear outdoor area about the size of a picnic blanket for delivery.
During Tuesday’s demonstration, Kuhn showed a package containing a costume wig, pumpkin-carving tools, candy, LED lights and Halloween makeup.
“It’s just like any Walmart delivery order. You’re going to get that package delivered by drone if it makes sense,” Kuhn said.
Drone delivery is free for a limited time in the Charlotte region where available, according to Walmart. The company lists a standard price of $19.99 per delivery for nonmembers outside the promotion, while Walmart+ members can also receive free delivery during a limited-time offer.
Customers can check whether their address qualifies at wing.com/walmart.
Walmart joins other retailers exploring drone delivery, including Lowe’s and Papa John’s through partnerships involving Wing and DoorDash. The Arboretum Shopping Center launched Charlotte’s first commercial drone food delivery service last year.
Kuhn said customers can come to rely on the service’s speed and convenience.
“It will get to you really quickly and in a really fun way,” he said.