Does Walgreens Sell Walmart Gift Cards in 2024? The Surprising Reasons Behind the Retail Rivalry

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

As a popular one-stop shop for everything from groceries to home goods, Walmart gift cards make great gifts for all occasions. But contrary to what you might expect, you won’t find Walmart gift cards for sale at Walgreens stores.

Walgreens does not sell Walmart gift cards in 2024 or any year. As major competitors in the retail marketplace, Walgreens and Walmart have a complex relationship when it comes to gift card sales.

The Retail Rivalry: Why Walgreens Says No to Walmart Gift Cards

Walgreens and Walmart have been retail rivals for decades. While Walgreens focuses more on pharmacy and convenience shopping, Walmart dominates the one-stop shopper market.

This competition means Walgreens has no incentive to sell Walmart gift cards and send business to its #1 retail competitor. Instead, Walgreens wants shoppers to spend their gift card dollars within its own stores.

Beyond losing sales, offering competitor gift cards can also dilute a retailer’s brand identity. Shopping at Walgreens is a different experience than shopping at Walmart, so Walgreens avoids associating itself with the Walmart name.

The Gift Card Power Play: Leveraging Exclusive Branding Rights

Large retailers like Walmart also want exclusive branding rights over their gift cards. By not allowing third-party sales, Walmart can control the gift card experience from production to placement.

This strategy boosts gift card sales from Walmart’s own channels while also protecting the brand image. If Walgreens sold Walmart gift cards, Walmart would lose some control over that customer experience.

According to GiftCards.com‘s 2022 survey, 62% of gift card recipients spent 38% over the initial card value, meaning a $50 gift card brought in $69 in sales on average. With these lucrative returns, retailers fight hard for gift card market share.

So Where Can You Buy a Walmart Gift Card?

If Walgreens is a no-go, where can you purchase a Walmart gift card? Here are the only places you can get official Walmart gift cards:

  • Any Walmart store. Walmart offers plastic gift cards in denominations from $10 up to $1,000 at the register.

  • Sam‘s Club. This Walmart-owned warehouse store sells Walmart cards from $10 to $500.

  • Walmart.com. Order plastic gift cards shipped to you ranging from $10 to $1,000.

  • Walmart eGift cards. Buy digital cards from $5 to $200 to email to recipients.

  • Walmart App. Send eGift cards from $5 to $200 using Walmart‘s mobile app.

Walmart does not authorize any other retailer, including Walgreens, CVS, Target, or grocery stores, to sell its gift cards. Your only options are direct from the Walmart family of stores.

Walmart Gift Card Sales Continue to Grow

The exclusivity strategy is paying off, as Walmart gift cards see rising popularity each year:

  • Walmart sold $1.89 billion in gift cards in 2021, up 19% from 2020.

  • Digital Walmart gift card sales increased 45% from 2020 to 2021.

  • For the holiday season, Walmart gift cards ranked 2nd in popularity behind only Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards.

||2021 Gift Card Sales Ranking|
|-|-|
|1|Visa/Mastercard Prepaid Cards|
|2|Walmart|
|3|Amazon|
|4|Target|
|5|Starbucks|

With no option for third-party sales at retailers like Walgreens, Walmart controls the expanding gift card market.

Alternatives to Walmart Gift Cards at Walgreens

While Walgreens doesn’t offer Walmart gift cards, you can find a variety of other top gift card brands:

  • Amazon
  • Target
  • Starbucks
  • iTunes
  • Google Play
  • Xbox
  • PlayStation

Shoppers spent over $7 billion on gift cards at U.S. convenience stores like Walgreens in 2021. So Walgreens still captures plenty of gift card sales, just not for its biggest competitor Walmart.

The Bottom Line: No Walmart Gift Cards at Walgreens

Due to their longstanding retail rivalry and Walmart maintaining exclusive control of its brand, Walgreens does not sell Walmart gift cards in 2024 or any previous year.

Instead, purchase Walmart gift cards directly from Walmart stores, Sam‘s Club, or online. With billions in annual gift card sales, the Walmart name is only becoming more popular for gift-giving. But you‘ll have to go right to the source if you want an official Walmart gift card.

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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