Amazon cranks up the competition
Amazon isn’t just dipping its toes into the grocery business — it’s cannonballing straight into the deep end. The company announced Wednesday it is expanding its same-day grocery delivery service to 1,000 U.S. cities and towns, with plans to hit 2,300 locales by the end of 2025.
This isn’t just about a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk. Amazon customers can now get produce, dairy, meat, seafood, baked goods, and frozen foods, alongside household goods, electronics, and even a new pair of sneakers—delivered to your door within hours.
Free for Prime, fee for everyone else
For Amazon Prime members, the service is free on grocery orders over $25. Nonmembers can join in too — but at $12.99 per delivery.
More than 150 million Americans already rely on Amazon, spending $100 billion on groceries and household goods in 2024 alone. Analysts say the expansion strengthens Amazon’s grip on Prime members’ wallets and sharpens its edge against competitors like Kroger, Target, Walmart, and Instacart.
“Milk with your mystery novel?”
Doug Herrington, CEO of Worldwide Amazon Stores, says this move is all about convenience.
“Customers can order milk alongside electronics, oranges with a mystery novel, and frozen pizza with tools for their next home project — all checked out in one cart and delivered within hours.”
In cities already using the service, strawberries have even knocked AirPods out of the top five best-selling products.
Rolling out nationwide
Raleigh, NC; Milwaukee; Tampa, FL; and Columbus, OH are among the new cities joining the program.
Amazon uses insulated bags and temperature-control technology to keep shrimp cold and bread fresh — making it easier to trust groceries will arrive just as you’d pick them in-store.
The new service operates separately from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market deliveries, giving shoppers even more ways to stock the pantry without leaving the couch.
Trouble in aisle 5 for rivals
For Kroger, Target, Walmart, and Albertsons, Amazon’s announcement is more than just a nuisance. It’s a direct challenge.
By bundling groceries with everything else Amazon sells, the company is creating a one-stop shop that’s hard to beat — and forcing brick-and-mortar retailers to rethink how they serve customers who now expect near-instant delivery.
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