Ending a long-standing holdout, Walmart announced on Friday that it will roll out widespread contactless payment options—most notably Apple Pay—across its operations.
This rollout is part of the world’s largest retailer’s initiative to streamline the shopping experience and increase convenience for consumers, Bloomberg reported.
The new payment methods will be integrated across all of Walmart’s physical stores by the end of the year, as well as on its websites and mobile applications.
Shift from proprietary systems
For years, Walmart has been one of the most prominent retail holdouts resisting third-party contactless payments.
Previously, the only way shoppers could use contactless checkout at Walmart was through the retailer’s own proprietary system, Walmart Pay, which required using the Walmart app.
As “tap-to-pay” via phones or enabled credit cards became ubiquitous across the retail landscape, Walmart’s refusal to accept Apple Pay caused noticeable frustration among its customers.
By allowing customers to tap their devices or cards at electronic terminals, aims to significantly reduce checkout times.
Rollout timeline
Bloomberg said the integration of the new payment systems will happen in phases. The initial rollout will begin at select Walmart and Sam’s Club locations on Monday, August 24.
The new contactless payment options, including , will be available at all stores by the end of the year and at gas stations by mid next year.
By mid-next year, Bloomberg said, the payment options will expand to include Walmart-operated gas stations.
The announcement arrives on the heels of a challenging quarter for the Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer.
On Thursday, Walmart reported a rare earnings miss, marking its slowest US comparable sales growth in over six years. The company attributed this sluggish performance primarily to pricing pressures within its pharmacy division.
In response to changing consumer habits, Walmart has spent recent years heavily expanding its footprint and investing in faster delivery networks to remain competitive and appeal to shoppers prioritising convenience.
Walmart’s chief communications executive to leave
Walmart’s head of communications is stepping down early next year, Bloomberg said, adding that the retailer will look for a replacement externally.
Chief Communications Officer Allyson Park, who has been at Walmart for more than three years, will transition to an advisory role starting 1 September, according to a memo viewed by Bloomberg News. She’ll depart the company on 1 February.
Park, who has also worked at Yum! Brands Inc. and Mars Inc, integrated the communications department more effectively with other divisions, according to the memo.
During her tenure, Walmart has invested in new hires for the team and applied AI more frequently. She also led the company’s communications strategy during last year’s transition of the chief executive officer, when John Furner replaced Doug McMillon.
