Amazon is now letting shoppers in 1,000 cities across the U.S. order perishable food items through its Same-Day Delivery service, as the e-commerce giant seeks to compete more directly with Instacart and Walmart+ in the growing quick-commerce space. Amazon plans to expand the option to over 2,300 cities by the end of the year.
Users can now order fresh grocery items, including produce, dairy, meat, seafood, baked goods and more, alongside everyday household products, electronics, and other items available for Same-Day Delivery.
Amazon says its “specialized temperature-controlled fulfillment network” will ensure that shoppers receive perishable groceries intact, and that orders undergo a six-point quality check upon arrival and before leaving for delivery. Additionally, temperature-sensitive products are delivered in insulated bags.
Same-day delivery is free for orders worth more than $25 for Prime members. If an order doesn’t meet the minimum amount, subscribers can still choose same-day delivery for a $2.99 fee. For customers without a Prime membership, the service is available with a $12.99 fee, regardless of the order size.
“When Amazon began to add perishable groceries like bananas, milk, eggs, and bread to its Same-Day Delivery service in regions like Phoenix, Orlando, and Kansas City, customers embraced the convenience,” Amazon wrote in a press release. “Strawberries, Honeycrisp apples, limes, and avocados now rank among the top 10 items in Same-Day Delivery carts.”
The move comes as Amazon has struggled to attract foot traffic at its physical stores.
