Wal-Mart Acquires NYC Delivery Firm

Wal-Mart Stores has purchased Parcel, a same-day and last-mile delivery firm in New York Cit,y as part of the retailer’s effort to enhance delivery services in dense urban markets.

“Delivery is increasingly one of the most important elements for today’s online shoppers, as demands for speed, flexibility and reliability continue to grow,” said Nate Faust, senior vice president for Walmart U.S. eCommerce Supply Chain in a statement released Oct. 3. “Parcel is a proven leader in e-commerce package delivery, including taking fresh, frozen and perishable food ... from a fulfillment center to your door.”

Parcel, which operates a single warehouse in Brooklyn, N.Y., has delivered more than 1 million meals in the past two years, Faust said.

Walmart has been testing free same-day delivery in New York City, and Faust said the company will use Parcel to deliver both general merchandise and fresh and frozen groceries.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Wal-Mart, based in Bentonville, Ark., ranks No. 3 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of largest private carriers in North America.