In its latest attempt to square off with Amazon, Walmart is expanding ShippingPass, its unlimited two-day shipping program, and offering a free 30-day trial to all U.S. customers. Previously, ShippingPass was only available by invitation in select markets. Walmart members who have already subscribed to its free two-day shipping program will receive an extra month for free, as part of the promotion.
At $49 per year, ShippingPass competes directly with the core benefit of Amazon’s $99 annual Prime membership. It’s the latest in a series of attempts by Walmart to compete with the Seattle-based e-commerce giant in online shopping. Over the past decade, Walmart has been building out its e-commerce offerings, mimicking Amazon’s sales strategy, and even testing grocery delivery.
Walmart is also planning an Independence Day sale to coincide with the expanded ShippingPass offerings. “ShippingPass is about half the price of similar programs out there,” said Walmart CEO Fernando Madeira, in a press release, taking a not-so-subtle swing at their competitor.
Walmart launched the invitation-only version of ShippingPass this time last year.
