NEW YORK (AP) – Walmart Inc said on Monday it has signed a deal with Paramount Global to offer the entertainment company’s streaming service as a perk to subscribers of the discounter’s shipping subscription service.
The move is part of efforts by the nation’s largest retailer to better compete with Amazon’s Prime membership programme, which offers an array of perks. Starting in September, subscribers to Walmart+ will have access to the Paramount+ Essential Plan, which includes ads and offers original dramas such as 1883 and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, along with the preschool franchise PAW Patrol, recent blockbuster films such as Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and live sports.
The cost of Walmart+ will remain USD98 a year, or USD12.95 a month, the retailer said. It includes free shipping on items and discounts on gasoline.
An Amazon Prime membership costs USD139 a year, or USD14.99 a month, and includes the Amazon Video service, original programming and free gaming, among other perks.
