Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is offering a free 30-day trial of ShippingPass, a new shipping program for consumers in the United States. It is expected to compete directly with the Prime subscription service of Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN).
The offer means consumers will get unlimited two-day shipping for free for a month. According to Walmart, its existing ShippingPass holders will also enjoy the free 2-day unlimited shipping for 30 days.
Walmart ShippingPass is 50% cheaper than Amazon Prime
The ShippingPass costs $49 a year, which is 50% lesser than the price of similar programs available in the market.
In a statement, Fernando Madeira, president and CEO, Walmart.com US, said, “Walmart is known for everyday low prices, and when we have a special price, it isn’t just for a fleeting moment. Our rollbacks typically last 90 days or longer while supplies last. Starting July 1, and in the following weeks, you’re going to see some amazing items at great prices kicking in.”
The Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year, which includes free two-day shipping on 20 million eligible items and same-day delivery on more than a million items when shipping to selected metro areas across the United States. Prime members also get instant access to thousands of TV shows, movies, over a million of songs, and more than 800,000 free ebooks. The e-commerce giant is also offering a 30-day free trial.
Hundreds of new “Made in the USA” products available on Walmart.com
Separately, Walmart announced that more than 450 entrepreneurs participated in the company’s “Made in the USA” Open Call event at its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas yesterday. The event was part of its fourth annual U.S. Manufacturing Summit.
The retail giant decided to put every shelf-stable item (with very few exceptions) that was presented at the Open Call on Walmart.com
According to Michelle Gloeckler, executive vice president, Consumables, Health & Wellness, hundreds of new “Made in the USA” products are now available on the company’s online store.
“Walmart’s $250 billion commitment to buy products supporting American jobs is having a tangible impact on communities across the country as factories expand or open to make products for Walmart stores, Walmart.com and Sam’s Club,” said Gloeckler.
