Amazon has initiated its own rapid grocery delivery service, promising deliveries in under half an hour. Customers can select from a variety of groceries and household essentials, including milk, eggs, diapers, and medications. This move puts Amazon in direct competition with supermarkets that already offer similar speedy delivery services through delivery partnerships.
After announcing the closure of its Amazon Fresh grocery stores last September, Amazon has now introduced its new Amazon Now service in selected postcodes in London’s Southwark area. This service, carried out by bike, is currently in a testing phase, with plans for expansion in the near future. Delivery riders will be sourced through Amazon Flex, a program that does not involve direct employment.
Amazon UK country manager John Boumphrey shared in a blog post the convenience and speed that Amazon Now brings to customers, emphasizing the company’s dedication to faster delivery. This new service follows Amazon’s partnership with Gopuff last July, enabling customers to receive a range of products in under an hour, with some items arriving in as little as 15 minutes.
Prime members can benefit from discounted delivery fees starting at £1.99 per order for Amazon Now, compared to £3.99 for non-members. Orders below £15 incur a £2 fee, regardless of membership status. Prime members already enjoy fast and free delivery on numerous items across various categories.
Amazon’s decision to launch its own rapid delivery service aligns with its strategy to focus on online delivery services following the closure of its physical grocery stores. The company emphasized its commitment to meeting customer needs efficiently through online channels and highlighted the significant growth potential in online delivery services.
The recent launch of Amazon Now is a separate initiative from the closure of the store locations, as stated by Amazon. The company reiterated its dedication to enhancing its online grocery and household essentials offerings, which have been experiencing rapid growth within its UK operations.
