Amazon has announced the expansion of its Fresh grocery delivery services to non-Prime members throughout the United States. Initially available in 12 cities, the service will now be accessible in locations across the country. This move allows Amazon customers to order groceries not only from Amazon Fresh stores but also from various local grocery and specialty retailers available on Amazon.com, including Bristol Farms, Cardenas Markets, Pet Food Express, Weis Markets, and Save Mart. Additionally, Amazon plans to extend its grocery delivery and free pickup services from Whole Foods Market to non-Prime members.
According to an online post from the company, Amazon aims to make two-hour grocery delivery from Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods Market available in over 3,500 cities and towns in the U.S. To shop online at Fresh, non-Prime members will be required to pay a delivery fee. Orders under $50 will incur a $14 fee, while orders between $50 and $100 will have an $11 fee. Orders totaling over $100 will be subject to an $8 fee, which is higher compared to the delivery fees for Fresh shoppers with a Prime membership.
Customers will have the option to choose a two-hour or six-hour delivery window for their orders. Claire Peters, Vice President of Amazon Fresh, expressed the company’s commitment to providing an easy, fast, and affordable grocery shopping experience for all customers. The expansion of Fresh is seen as another step toward Amazon’s goal of building a best-in-class grocery shopping experience, offering a wide selection of products, great value, and convenience.
Amazon launched its Fresh service in 2007 and currently operates approximately 45 locations across the U.S. In 2017, the company acquired Whole Foods for $13.7 billion to further establish its presence in the grocery industry. Amazon has also launched cashierless convenience stores called Go. However, due to economic uncertainties, the company recently downsized its Fresh staff count and closed a number of Go stores. Nonetheless, Amazon remains committed to the grocery business.
With this expansion, Amazon aims to cater to a wider customer base and provide more convenient grocery shopping options. By partnering with local grocery and specialty retailers, they are able to offer a diverse range of products to meet the needs and preferences of customers nationwide. As the competition in the grocery delivery market continues to intensify, Amazon is positioning itself as a top player by leveraging its vast network and resources.
Note:
- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
- We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it