On Monday, August 1st, Amazon announced a new perk for Prime Members. The commerce giant's big news centers around same-day delivery services from several brick-and-mortar retail brands. Through the Amazon App and Amazon.com, shoppers can make purchases and have them delivered to their doorstep by an Amazon delivery partner. This new Amazon delivery experience is available in select zip codes and retail locations in over ten metro areas in the U.S.
Retail Stores and Amazon
Amazon's same-day delivery is not a new concept, and this is not the first time Amazon has partnered with brick-and-mortar retailers. Kohls is well-known for being an Amazon return hub. Partnering with Amazon is good for business. Kohl's CEO reported that the partnership helped Kohl's add 2 million new customers. Also, Amazon tested the concept of their newly announced service using Flex delivery drivers to deliver packages from mall-based stores.
With Monday's announcement, Amazon is now offering same-day delivery from PacSun, Diesel, and Superdry. In addition to apparel stores, vitamin retailer GNC is partnering with Amazon for same-day delivery. Additional retailers expected to join the service in the coming months are Sur la Table and 100% Pure.
Prime Customers - How it Works
For Prime members, this new service is free with a purchase of $25 or more or $2.99 for purchases under $25. On the Amazon app or Amazon.com, customers can select the brand and place their orders. Each brand on the Amazon site shows a list of the cities eligible for same-day delivery. The option to buy online select store pickup is also available for select retailers participating in the program.
Faster Delivery Speeds are in Demand
Customers are demanding faster deliveries. Over 75% of consumers want same-day shipping; however, only about 50% of retailers offer same-day shipping. As a result, in recent years, super-fast grocery delivery platforms have exploded in popularity. Some retailers have partnered with delivery providers like DoorDash, Instacart, and Shipt. These partnerships allow shoppers to receive items from groceries to clothing within hours.
Amazon is working hard to make one-day or same-day delivery happen for all Prime members. Amazon continues to raise the bar and recently expanded the number of one-day delivery eligible products. The company also has thousands of items available for delivery within a few hours.
Amazon Today Program
Any store with a retail presence in a brick and mortar store and an inventory management system in place may be eligible for the Amazon Today program. In addition, businesses located in a mall, shopping center, or any commercial space may be able to expand fulfillment options to include same-day delivery with Amazon. Participating in Amazon Today is an opportunity for retailers to take advantage of Amazon's extensive reach to increase brand visibility. However, participating in Amazon Today is not free. Fees include a Selling Plan Fee, Referral Fees for each item sold, Fulfillment Fees, and other costs sellers may incur.
E-Commerce, Amazon, and StoreAutomator
More than twenty years ago, Amazon launched its third-party marketplace. An opportunity to work with Amazon helps smaller companies and ecommerce sellers take advantage of Amazon logistics such as Fulfilled by Amazon services. Amazon continues to make its unmatched logistics services and the expansive reach of Amazon advertising available to many retailers.
Monday's news is another way Amazon is elevating the customer experience to meet the growing demand for fast shipping. If you are an ecommerce business, we would love to help you. Schedule a demo with StoreAutomator today! We have a team of e-commerce experts ready to help you.