Multinational retail corporation Walmart has partnered with HomeValet to pilot the latter’s temperature-controlled smart box for grocery delivery.

As part of this trial in Bentonville, Arkansas, participating customers will receive deliveries from their local Walmart directly into the smart box.

Powered by an internet of things (IoT) platform, HomeValet’s smart box has three temperature-controlled zones to store frozen, refrigerated and pantry items.

The box will be placed outside customers’ homes.

Walmart US customer product SVP Tom Ward said: “The prospect of this technology is intriguing, both for customers and for Walmart’s last-mile delivery efforts. For customers, they don’t need to plan their day around when their grocery delivery will be made.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“For Walmart, it presents an opportunity to deliver items 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While we don’t have plans to do 24/7 delivery today, it certainly has a nice ring to it.”

The smart box communicates with the delivery provider’s device providing them secure access to complete the delivery. It also enables contactless deliveries.

The trial for the smart box is one of many solutions Walmart is testing to make their days more manageable amid the increasing demand for online deliveries.

Ward added: “Our pilot with HomeValet is one of many solutions we’re testing that can make their days more manageable. After all, delivery should fit within their lifestyle, not the other way around.”

In November, Walmart partnered with General Motors subsidiary Cruise to pilot self-driving delivery in Scottsdale, Arizona, US.

Additionally, it partnered with drone delivery service provider Zipline in September to trial a new service in the US.