FedEx Office will put retail centers in 500 Walmart stores by 2020

FedEx Office announced Tuesday (March 20) plans to place retail centers inside 500 Walmart stores over the next two years following a successful pilot program with 47 stores since 2015. FedEx did not say which stores would receive the FedEx stores and Walmart deferred comment to their partner.

The FedEx Office locations will offer customers access to packing, shipping and printing services near where they shop and live, with 90% of U.S. consumers living within 10 miles of a Walmart store. Another service for consumers with access to Walmart FedEx locations include having their online purchases held in the store for up to five business days when they use the FedEx Delivery Manager option.

“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. “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.”

Daniel Eckert, senior vice president of Walmart services, said the company’s research indicated customers wanted shipping and packaging stations in stores where they shop.

“Our busy customers view our stores as a one-stop-shop for all the products and services they are looking for … 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.”

FedEx said in the 47 stores (Arkansas, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia) where the pilot has been underway have benefited both partners.