Amazon Killer? Walmart Announces Free 2-Day Shipping

Walmart has been trying to compete with Amazon's popular Prime 2-day free shipping for years.
Last year, the megastore kicked off the ShippingPass program, where customers could enjoy free 2-day shipping for $49 per year. But as of January 31, Walmart has dumped this program in favor of something new.
Instead, it's now providing free 2-day shipping on over two million items, and the best part is, there's no membership fee required. Orders must meet a minimum spend of $35 before taxes, but that's not much of a catch. To bag free standard shipping with Amazon, non-Prime members must spend at least $49.
Walmart's new shipping plan is currently only available in the continental US, while Amazon is expanding its Prime service worldwide. It's a big move against Amazon, but Prime membership still offers plenty that makes the $99 price tag worth it. Those extra Prime perks are an area that Walmart just can't compete with yet.
More Retailers Offering Fast, Free Shipping
Last year, Best Buy kicked off a similar shipping offer for members of its My Best Buy program, which is free to join. The basic tier requires a minimum purchase of $35 to bag free 2-day shipping, with thousands of items that qualify.
SEE ALSO: How to Get One Extra Month of Amazon Prime for Free
Apple, Ray-Ban, and Running Warehouse all offer free 2-day shipping on most orders as well. And if you join Zappos' free loyalty program, you can take advantage of that perk from it as well.
Readers, does this news make you more likely to shop Walmart's website? Or will you stick with Amazon? Let us know in the comments below!

- weak customer service
- less hardy/rich reviews/ratings
- less built in competition from 3rd parties in their storefront.
- no Camelcamelcamel price tool.
- no Prime extras - hard to imagine they could catch up in that area.
+ easier to return to a brick and mortar store (although it requires entering a Walmart - yuck!)
+ perhaps hungry in an attempt to save its life.
+ Amazon needs some real competition - this move is great for consumers!
+ Perhaps this will stop Amazon's rumored coming Prime price hike.
But we'll gladly buy from the cheapest place that delivers. If Walmart ups its game then we'd certainly consider killing Prime.
On the other hand, store pick-up at a Walmart store is slow and cheerless. Not something I'll willingly do, except for huge savings.
I have had horrible luck with Amazon returns, with them demanding that I pay return shipping on a DOA new Braun coffee grinder. At least with Walmart, I can return merchandise in person 10 minutes away.
when i remember i do try to price compare. but usually it is just easier to buy off amazon. i do like the walmart option of picking up in store when it is available, but it all depends how many (and who) they have working the customer service desk. once waited 20 minutes while they tried to find my windshield wipers!!
You also mentioned Best Buy's "My Best Buy" program. Best Buy doesn't have a clue how 2 day shipping works. I have ordered something from them on a Friday using 2 day shipping and didn't get it until the next Thursday. Best Buy doesn't process orders on weekends so your Friday order is processed on Monday and shipped on Tuesday. You then get it on Thursday. That is if they don't mess up your order which I have found is the rule, not the exception. I am an Elite Plus customer with Best Buy and I get free 2 day shipping on everything. I have rarely if ever have received anything in 2 days like I do with Amazon Prime.