Amazon has launched a new service called Amazon Now, offering ultra-fast grocery deliveries in under 30 minutes. Customers can choose from a wide range of groceries and household essentials, such as milk, eggs, nappies, and medicines.
This move by Amazon puts them in direct competition with supermarkets that already provide similar rapid delivery services through partnerships with delivery companies. The service is currently being tested in selected London postcodes in the Southwark area, using bike riders recruited through Amazon Flex.
John Boumphrey, the country manager of Amazon UK, stated in a blog post that Amazon Now aims to enhance customer convenience by delivering thousands of items in less than half an hour. The company’s decision to introduce this service follows a previous partnership with Gopuff for quick deliveries.
Prime members can benefit from discounted delivery fees starting at £1.99 per order, compared to £3.99 for non-members. Additionally, a flat £2 fee applies to orders below £15 for all users. Amazon plans to expand this service to more areas in the upcoming months to offer faster and more affordable shopping options for customers across the UK.
Amazon’s shift towards online delivery services was emphasized when the company decided to close its Amazon Fresh grocery stores in the UK last year. Despite this setback, Amazon remains committed to improving its online grocery and household essentials offerings, which have shown significant growth in the UK market.