Walmart adds pickup option for returns ahead of the holidays

Walmart on Monday said it added a new pickup option to make returning online orders less of a hassle. The new service, Carrier Pickup by FedEx, lets people return items without having to leave their home, Walmart said in a blog post. 

Customers start the return process on Walmart’s website and print out a shipping label, then schedule a time for FedEx to pick up the unwanted item. Carrier Pickup by FedEx is free for items shipped and sold by Walmart.com and available in areas where FedEx offers small-parcel pickup service, the retail giant said. 

Shoppers already broke online shopping records on Black Friday and Cyber Monday this year. Holiday shopping looks different for many people in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many stores opted to skip traditional door-busters deals that customers would line up for, instead rolling out some of their best sales online. In total for the holiday shopping season, Adobe predicts US online spending will hit $184 billion, a 30% increase over last year.  

Walmart customers can still choose to drop off returns at FedEx locations or take care of returns in stores, the retailer said. At many stores, Walmart said, it will open alternative return locations to help maintain social distancing.