Amazon has launched a new speedy grocery delivery service, promising deliveries in less than 30 minutes. Customers can choose from a wide range of groceries and household items, including essentials like milk, eggs, diapers, and medicines.
This move pits Amazon against supermarkets that already offer similar rapid delivery services through partnerships with delivery companies. Last September, Amazon announced the closure of its Amazon Fresh grocery stores, leading to the introduction of the new Amazon Now service.
Currently being trialed in select postcodes in the Southwark area of London by bike, Amazon plans to expand the service to more areas in the coming months. The company is recruiting riders through Amazon Flex, a program where they are not directly employed.
In a blog post on Amazon’s website, John Boumphrey, the UK country manager, highlighted the convenience and speed of Amazon Now. He emphasized Amazon’s dedication to fast delivery, building on their existing same or next-day delivery services across the UK.
Amazon’s latest move into ultra-fast deliveries follows its partnership with Gopuff last July, enabling customers to receive a wide range of items within 60 minutes, with some items delivered in as fast as 15 minutes.
Prime members can benefit from discounted delivery fees starting at £1.99 per order with Amazon Now, compared to £3.99 for non-members. For orders under £15, a £2 fee applies regardless of membership status. Prime members already enjoy free and fast delivery on millions of items across various categories.
Amazon plans to share more updates about the service in the coming months as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the shopping experience for customers in the UK. The company reassured customers that the launch of Amazon Now is separate from the closure of its grocery stores, emphasizing its commitment to online delivery and serving customers in the most effective ways.
Despite the closure of its physical stores, Amazon remains focused on expanding its online grocery and household essentials offerings, recognizing it as a rapidly growing segment of its UK operations.