Amazon is currently inducing shoppers in 1,000 U.S. cities to order perishable groceries through same-day delivery services. This is because the e-commerce giant is trying to compete more directly with Instacart and Walmart+ in the growing quick commerce space. Amazon plans to expand its options to more than 2,300 cities by the end of the year.
Users can now order fresh grocery items, including produce, dairy products, meat, seafood, baked goods, and other items that can be used for same-day delivery, including daily household items, electronics and other items.
Amazon says its “specialized temperature controlled fulfillment network” ensures shoppers receive perishable food items as is, and ensures that orders undergo a 6-point quality check on arrival and before departing for birth. Additionally, temperature sensitive products are delivered in insulated bags.
Same-day delivery is free for orders worth $25 or more from Prime Members. Even if the order does not meet the minimum amount, subscribers can still opt for same-day delivery at a rate of $2.99. For customers without Prime membership, the service is available at a rate of $12.99 regardless of order size.
“When Amazon began adding perishable groceries such as bananas, milk, eggs and bread to its same-day delivery service in areas such as Phoenix, Orlando and Kansas City, customers embraced the convenience,” Amazon wrote in a press release. “Strawberry, honeycrisp apple, lime and avocado are currently ranked in the top 10 same-day delivery carts.”
This move comes as Amazon struggles to attract pedestrians in its physical store.