Walmart expands wine, beer delivery to 5 more states

Walmart is expanding the delivery of beer and wine (and, in some cases, spirits) to five new states: Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana and Ohio, the retailer announced late last week.

The expansion, driven by changes in state liquor laws, builds on an alcohol delivery program launched by the retailer in 2019.

Walmart now delivers alcohol from nearly 2,500 stores across 23 states. Beer and wine are available from all participating locations, but delivery of spirits is dependent on local laws.

Beer and wine can be ordered through Walmart.com or through the retailer’s app. Customers must provide photo ID to verifying they are at least 21 years old before receiving an order containing alcohol, Walmart said.  

On its website, Walmart notes it will remove alcohol from orders of those who cannot prove they are of legal drinking age, those who appear intoxicated or those who appear to give alcohol to someone under 21.

Expanding alcohol delivery makes lots of business sense for Walmart, where e-commerce is currently surging.

The retail giant last week reported a 27% jump in digital sales during its first quarter, fueled by pickup and delivery. For the prior quarter, Walmart posted a 17% increase in e-commerce sales.

The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer also noted a 360-basis point shift away from general merchandise and in favor of grocery and health and wellness items. Sales of food and consumables rose the low-double digits during Q1, Walmart said.