Amazon has introduced rapid grocery deliveries in less than 30 minutes, offering a wide selection of household necessities and food items. This move puts Amazon in direct competition with supermarkets that already provide similar quick delivery services through partnerships with delivery companies.
The new service, Amazon Now, is currently undergoing testing in specific London postcodes, with plans to expand to more areas soon. Delivery riders, recruited through Amazon Flex, will facilitate the speedy delivery service by bicycle.
Amazon UK country manager John Boumphrey highlighted the convenience and speed of Amazon Now, emphasizing the company’s dedication to swift deliveries. This initiative follows Amazon’s collaboration with Gopuff last year, aiming to offer customers quick access to various products within an hour.
Prime members can enjoy discounted delivery fees starting at £1.99 per order with Amazon Now, while non-Prime members will pay £3.99. Additionally, a £2 fee applies to orders under £15 for all customers. Prime members already benefit from fast and free delivery on numerous items.
The decision to launch Amazon Now aligns with Amazon’s strategic shift towards online delivery services following the closure of its physical grocery stores in the UK last year. The company expressed a commitment to enhancing its online grocery and household essentials offerings to better serve its customers.
Amazon clarified that the launch of Amazon Now is independent of the store closures, emphasizing its ongoing efforts to cater to customer preferences effectively. The company continues to invest in expanding its online grocery services, recognizing the significant growth potential in this segment.