Amazon has launched its own rapid grocery delivery service, promising delivery in less than 30 minutes. Customers can choose from a wide range of groceries and household items, including essentials like milk, eggs, nappies, and medicines.
This move by Amazon puts it in direct competition with supermarkets that have existing partnerships with delivery companies offering similar speedy services. Following the closure of its Amazon Fresh grocery stores last September, Amazon is now piloting the new Amazon Now service in select London postcodes in the Southwark area using bike riders recruited through Amazon Flex.
John Boumphrey, Amazon UK country manager, stated on the company’s website that Amazon Now aims to provide customers with a new level of speed and convenience in receiving thousands of products in under half an hour. This service is part of Amazon’s ongoing efforts to enhance delivery speed, complementing their existing same-day and next-day delivery offerings.
Amazon’s decision to introduce ultra-fast deliveries follows its collaboration with Gopuff in July last year. Prime members can benefit from discounted delivery fees starting at £1.99 per order, while non-members will pay £3.99. Additionally, a £2 fee applies to orders below £15 for all customers.
The company emphasized that this service expansion is part of its commitment to enhancing the shopping experience for customers. Amazon remains focused on strengthening its online delivery services, as evidenced by the closure of its physical grocery stores in the UK last year. Despite this setback, Amazon continues to invest in its online grocery and household essentials segment, which is a rapidly growing part of its UK operations.