Walmart Launched Express Pickup Service
The retailer has introduced one-hour curbside pickup options alongside new American Sign Language support.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Retail
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Walmart has launched an Express Pickup service that allows customers to have app orders ready for curbside pickup in one hour. The service is currently available at 500 locations across the United States.
Why it matters
The company is expanding its digital capabilities while also finalizing holiday store closure plans to ensure staff can spend the season with family and friends.
The Express Pickup service provides orders within one hour and is currently operating in 500 stores. Nationwide expansion of this service is expected in the coming weeks.
The players
Walmart
Walmart is a multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores.
Sorenson
Sorenson is a communication services company that provides video relay services and interpretation for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization that provides financial and other support services to military families.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international charitable organization that operates stores and provides social services for those in need.
The details
Customers can access the new service through the Walmart app, while the company has also added American Sign Language interpreting services via Sorenson. Users connect to these interpreters by scanning a QR code located at store service desks.
Timeline
November 2026: Customers may round up purchases to support Operation Homefront.
November 2026: Express Pickup reaches nationwide availability for holiday shopping.
December 2026: Customers may round up purchases to support The Salvation Army.
December 25, 2026: All Walmart stores close for Christmas.
Market Landscape
The initiative follows the broader retail industry trend of prioritizing contactless curbside fulfillment as a core expectation for modern shoppers. This shift allows large-scale retailers to better compete with digital-first delivery platforms for consumer attention.
Shoppers can now utilize the one-hour pickup service at participating locations to streamline their errands. Additionally, Walmart+ members receive access to these Express Pickup features without additional fees.
The takeaway
The move underscores the growing integration of accessibility and speed in physical retail operations. Customers should prepare for standard holiday closures as the retailer balances operational efficiency with employee holiday schedules.
What happens next
Walmart stores will close for the Thanksgiving holiday and officially close all locations on December 25, 2026, for Christmas.
Further reading
For more information on the current retail environment, visit the Retail section of our site.
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Do you support major retailers closing all store locations on Thanksgiving and Christmas?
