Walmart plans to integrate 500 FedEx Office locations within its stores across the U.S.
The move will help the world's largest retailer ease some last-mile delivery strain and better compete with Amazon and Target. The packaging and shipping service was highly requested by Walmart customers, and further solidifies the chain's brand as a one-stop-shop, CNBC reports.
Walmart and FedEx have been testing the program in a pilot project that took place in 47 Walmart stores across six states in the U.S., including North Carolina, Virginia, Texas and Colorado. It was met with success by many customers who first visited FedEx, then remained in stores to shop after using the service.
In addition to boosting profits, the move is also meant to take some pressure off last-mile delivery fulfillment by allowing customers to pack and ship items directly from stores. Consumers will also be able to process returns, which will allow Walmart and FedEx to send items back to distributors in larger groups, according to CNBC.
New FedEx-within-Walmart locations will be small and range from 450 SF to 750 SF. Customers will be able to use the stores to pack, ship, return and print items, as well as store packages for a maximum of five business days.
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