Amazon, the e-commerce giant, has launched its own rapid grocery delivery service that promises deliveries in less than 30 minutes. Customers can choose from a wide range of groceries and household essentials, including items such as milk, eggs, nappies, and medicines.
This move puts Amazon in direct competition with supermarkets that already offer similar ultra-fast delivery services through partnerships with delivery companies. Last September, Amazon announced the closure of all its Amazon Fresh grocery stores, leading to this new initiative.
The new service, called Amazon Now, is currently being tested in select postcodes in the Southwark area of London using bike delivery. The company plans to expand this service to more areas in the coming months. Delivery riders will be recruited through Amazon Flex, a platform where they are not directly employed by Amazon.
Amazon UK country manager John Boumphrey highlighted the convenience and speed of Amazon Now, emphasizing the company’s commitment to faster deliveries. This service complements Amazon’s existing delivery options, which include same-day and next-day delivery across the UK.
Amazon’s decision to introduce ultra-fast deliveries follows its partnership with Gopuff announced last July, offering delivery of a variety of items within 60 minutes, with some items available in as little as 15 minutes.
Prime members can enjoy discounted delivery fees starting from £1.99 per order, compared to £3.99 for non-members. A £2 fee applies to orders below £15, regardless of membership status. Prime members already benefit from fast and free delivery on millions of items in various categories.
Amazon has stated that more updates on this service will be provided in the coming months as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance the shopping experience for customers in the UK. The company reiterates its focus on online delivery services following the closure of its physical grocery stores last year, emphasizing its commitment to meeting customer needs through various delivery options.