Sam’s Club Speeds Up Delivery With New One-Hour Express Option
Sam’s Club has introduced a faster tier of its Express delivery service, allowing members to receive thousands of in-club items in as little as one hour—or even faster in some cases. The upgraded option doesn’t require a minimum purchase and maintains the same pricing as items found in-store, reinforcing the retailer’s push to create a seamless omnichannel shopping experience across in-club, online, app-based, and curbside channels. Members can now choose between two Express delivery speeds: a new one-hour-or-less option priced at $10 for Plus members and $22 for Club members, or the existing three-hour service at lower rates.
Sam’s Club Senior Vice President of eCommerce, Greg Pulsifer, said, “Members love our three hours or less Express delivery, but they told us they wanted an even faster option—so, we delivered. We continue to differentiate ourselves as a leader in club retail through true omnichannel shopping experiences: in-club, online, in-app, Curbside Pickup, and fast delivery—allowing members to shop how they want. Our 10 fastest deliveries to date were all fulfilled in less than 12 minutes. When members need emergency baby essentials or dinners on the fly, we’re not just delivering speed, but peace of mind and time back so they can focus on the things that matter most.”
Since rolling out across more than 600 locations, the service has already completed tens of thousands of orders, with an average fulfillment time of just 55 minutes. Many deliveries include everyday essentials such as groceries, paper goods, and household staples, highlighting how customers are using the service for urgent, real-time needs. Early results underscore the speed and convenience of the program, with some deliveries completed in under 10 minutes. Customers across the country have used the service for everything from baby formula and office supplies to pet food, often arriving faster than a traditional shopping trip. Powered by integrated technology and strong in-store operations, the initiative also aligns with the company’s broader digital growth, as e-commerce sales rose 23% year over year in its most recent quarter.
Read more about Sam’s Express Delivery here.
Starbucks Introduces Scheduled Ordering to Streamline Busy Days
Starbucks is adding a scheduled ordering feature to its mobile app, giving customers the ability to plan their pickups in advance. Launching May 11 across North America locations that offer Mobile Order & Pay, the update allows users to select a pickup time up to one hour ahead—addressing the growing need for both convenience and precise timing during busy routines.
The new option integrates seamlessly into Starbucks existing app experience. Customers can build their order as usual, then choose a pickup window in five-minute increments during checkout. The system uses real-time store capacity, powered by Starbucks’ Smart Queue technology, to balance orders across in-store, drive-thru, and mobile channels. This ensures that selected pickup times reflect actual availability and helps maintain efficiency across all ordering methods.
Designed for customers juggling meetings, classes, or packed schedules, scheduled ordering offers added flexibility without replacing the current instant-order option. While availability may vary by location as the feature rolls out, the goal is to give customers more control over how and when they pick up their drinks and food—making it easier to stay on track throughout the day.
Read more here.
Flytrex and Little Caesars Launch Larger Drone for Pizza Delivery
Drone delivery company Flytrex has introduced a new heavy-lift drone, the Sky2, designed to carry up to 8.8 pounds—making it one of the largest payload-capacity drones used in restaurant delivery. The company is partnering with Little Caesars to deploy the drone in Wylie, Texas, where it can transport the equivalent of two large pizzas along with drinks and sides. The system is directly integrated with Little Caesars’ ordering platform to streamline fulfillment.
The increased payload allows the drone to handle full family-sized meals, including items like Crazy Bread, Crazy Puffs, and beverages. With a delivery radius of up to four miles—an expansion from earlier capabilities—the Sky2 gives restaurants more flexibility and opens the door to larger, higher-value orders. This upgrade could help improve efficiency while making drone delivery more practical for everyday use.
The launch builds on Flytrex’s recent momentum in the drone delivery space. The company has partnered with platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash, and received FAA approval for beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations, allowing for broader expansion. Meanwhile, Little Caesars continues to explore automation, having previously tested robotic delivery solutions in other markets, signaling a growing commitment to next-generation delivery technology.
Original Article Links:
Sam’s Club Launches Enhanced Express Delivery, Fueling Continued eCommerce Growth with Checkout to Doorstep Delivery in as Soon as an Hour – Often Less
Making it easier to plan your Starbucks visit
Flytrex, Little Caesars deploy new drone for larger orders