FedEx launches two-hour delivery with 1,000 Walmart providers; Krispy Kreme JV deal worth $90m
FedEx is launching SameDay Local, linking retailers including Walmart to 1,000+ delivery providers for two-hour or end-of-day options, intensifying competition in last-mile fulfilment. Krispy Kreme moved 23 shops into a JV supporting 1,000 Walmart fulfilment points under a $90m deal and sold its Japan operations for $70m to reduce debt.
1. FedEx SameDay Local Launch
FedEx has introduced SameDay Local, offering online shoppers a choice of two-hour delivery windows or end-of-day drop-off at checkout. The service taps a network of over 1,000 last-mile delivery providers managed through an intelligent orchestration system that automatically assigns orders to the best available vehicle and driver.
2. Competitive Impact on Walmart
By integrating this service, retailers like Walmart gain access to scaled same-day fulfilment without building proprietary networks, but face heightened pressure as FedEx’s intelligent routing and live tracking capabilities aim to match or exceed in-house delivery speeds and reliability.
3. Krispy Kreme Western US JV Restructure
Krispy Kreme reshaped its Western US joint venture with WKS Restaurant Group, increasing WKS’s stake from 45% to 80% and transferring 23 company-run shops in California and Hawaii into the JV. This JV now operates 73 shops and supports around 1,000 fresh delivery points through major retailers including Walmart.
4. Japan Business Sale
Krispy Kreme completed the sale of its Japan operations for approximately $70m in cash proceeds. Net proceeds from both the Japan sale and the $90m JV transaction will be deployed to pay down debt and advance the company’s capital-light refranchising strategy.