Amazon rolls out same-day delivery of perishable groceries in 1,000 US cities

In a significant enhancement to its grocery delivery service, Amazon has announced that customers in 1,000 U.S. cities can now order perishable food items through its Same-Day Delivery option. This strategic move positions Amazon to better compete with rivals such as Instacart and Walmart+ in the rapidly evolving quick-commerce market. The company has ambitious plans to broaden this service to over 2,300 cities by the end of the year. Shoppers can now choose from a variety of fresh grocery items, including produce, dairy, meats, seafood, and baked goods, alongside a range of household products and electronics available for same-day delivery. To ensure the freshness and safety of groceries, Amazon utilizes a specialized temperature-controlled fulfillment network. Every order is subjected to a six-point quality check before it leaves the facility, and temperature-sensitive items are packaged in insulated bags for delivery. For Prime members, same-day delivery is complimentary for orders exceeding $25. If the total falls short, a fee of $2.99 applies. Non-Prime customers can access the service for a flat fee of $12.99, regardless of their order size. Amazon highlighted the popularity of this service, noting that when it initially included perishable items like bananas, milk, eggs, and bread in regions such as Phoenix, Orlando, and Kansas City, customers quickly embraced the convenience. Popular items like strawberries, Honeycrisp apples, limes, and avocados have even made their way into the top ten of Same-Day Delivery carts. This expansion comes at a time when Amazon is actively seeking to draw more customers to its physical stores.