BENTONVILLE, AR - With supplies in near-constant demand, much-needed items fly off the shelves at retail. In a bid to help more consumers have access to the grocery goods they need, Walmart tapped a new partner, Nextdoor, and launched its “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program.

“I’ve seen firsthand the countless ways our Walmart team is working together during this challenging time, leading with humanity, compassion, and understanding to serve our customers,” said Janey Whiteside, Walmart’s Chief Customer Officer. “We’re continuing to do that through our new program with Nextdoor. We’re connecting neighbors to each other so that more members of our communities have access to essential items, while limiting contact and the number of people shopping in our stores.”

The first-ever program is a new move for both companies, a press release noted. Nextdoor members can coordinate the pickup and delivery of their groceries with a neighbor already planning a trip to Walmart, making the program a contact-free solution for vulnerable consumers.

This is not the company's first effort to encourage social distancing since the pandemic began. It follows recent moves made by Walmart to make its other shopping services contact-free.

“We’re inspired every day by the kindness of people around the world who are stepping up and helping out. In recent weeks, we’ve been blown away by the number of members who have raised their hands to run an errand, go to the grocery store, or pick up a prescription for a neighbor,” said Sarah Friar, Nextdoor CEO. “We’re grateful for Walmart's partnership to make this important connection between neighbors around vital services, and we’re proud to come together to ensure everyone has a neighborhood to rely on.”

Will other retailers partner with similar apps? Is Walmart going to continue to lead the retail charge in its response to consumer needs? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

Walmart