Walmart will open FedEx Office branches in 500 of its U.S. stores, allowing customers to pick up and drop off packages for shipment and access printing services, while boosting foot traffic for the retailer, the companies announced.
The partnership, which has been tested successfully at 47 locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Arkansas, Texas and Colorado, will roll over the next two years, another bow in the quiver in the running Amazon battle.
Shoppers can have their packages held at any store-based FedEx Office location for up to five business days, either directly or by redirecting them using FedEx Delivery Manager.
“This strategic initiative between FedEx Office and Walmart builds on a shared goal of providing customers convenience and value, so they can save both time and money,” said Brian Philips, CEO of FedEx Office in a release. “The growth of our store network to 500 new locations brings our brand even closer to busy consumers who have told us they are seeking secure, reliable options for packing, shipping and receiving packages.”
“Our busy customers view our stores as a one-stop-shop for all the products and services they are looking for,” said Daniel Eckert, Senior Vice President, Walmart Services and Digital Acceleration, in the release. “We know shipping and printing is one such service they want to access in our stores, so we’re thrilled to expand our relationship with FedEx so that even more of our busy customers can take advantage of their pick up, drop off and printing services.”
The partnership is an expansion of FedEx’s retail channel network of locations offering its services. FedEx struck a similar deal last year with Walgreens, with pickup locations at 7,500 U.S. stores in the pharmacy chain.