In a significant move to enhance its grocery delivery service, Amazon has announced that shoppers in over 1,000 cities across the United States can now order perishable food items through its Same-Day Delivery service. This strategic expansion aims to directly compete with popular services like Instacart and Walmart+ in the rapidly growing quick-commerce market.
Amazon has ambitious plans to broaden this offering to more than 2,300 cities by the end of the year. This expansion will allow users to order a variety of fresh grocery items, including produce, dairy, meat, seafood, and baked goods, alongside everyday household products and electronics that are also available for Same-Day Delivery.
To guarantee that shoppers receive their perishable groceries in optimal condition, Amazon utilizes a “specialized temperature-controlled fulfillment network.” Each order undergoes a six-point quality check before it is dispatched for delivery. Additionally, temperature-sensitive products are carefully packaged in insulated bags to maintain their freshness during transit.
For Amazon Prime members, same-day delivery is free on orders exceeding $25. If an order falls short of this minimum, subscribers have the option to choose same-day delivery for a nominal fee of $2.99. For customers who do not hold a Prime membership, the service is available for a flat fee of $12.99, regardless of the order size.
According to a press release from Amazon, customers have warmly embraced the addition of perishable groceries to the Same-Day Delivery service. The company reported that when items like bananas, milk, eggs, and bread were introduced in select regions such as Phoenix, Orlando, and Kansas City, they quickly became popular. Notably, strawberries, Honeycrisp apples, limes, and avocados now rank among the top 10 items frequently found in Same-Day Delivery carts.
This expansion into the perishable food delivery sector comes as Amazon faces challenges in attracting foot traffic to its physical stores. By enhancing its Same-Day Delivery options, the e-commerce giant aims to bolster its presence in the grocery market and cater to the evolving shopping habits of consumers who prioritize convenience.
