Additional Coverage:
- Amazon introduces 1-hour and 3-hour delivery in U.S. (cbsnews.com)
Amazon Speeds Up Delivery Game with New 1- and 3-Hour Options
For those moments when even same-day delivery feels like an eternity, Amazon is stepping up its game, rolling out new one- and three-hour delivery options in select cities across the U.S. The e-commerce giant announced the expedited service on Tuesday, aiming to further solidify its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving retail landscape.
This move positions Amazon to better contend with brick-and-mortar stores, local pharmacies, and other retailers that have increasingly prioritized faster delivery in response to the surge in online shopping. Retail analyst Neil Saunders of GlobalData told CBS News that this development is particularly “bad news for drugstores,” citing Amazon’s often superior pricing on everyday essentials like toothpaste and toilet paper.
Where is Accelerated Delivery Available?
Amazon’s new one-hour delivery service is currently accessible in parts of major metropolitan areas including Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Nashville, Oklahoma City, and Washington, D.C. Smaller cities such as Des Moines, Boise, and American Fork are also included in this initial rollout.
The three-hour delivery option boasts a broader reach, available in over 2,000 large, midsize, and small cities, as well as various suburbs, including Cornwall, Harrah, and Arabi. Amazon has indicated plans to expand these accelerated delivery services to additional cities in the coming months.
What Can You Get Delivered in Under 3 Hours?
A wide array of products is eligible for these expedited delivery services. This includes household staples like paper towels and toilet paper, health and beauty items, over-the-counter medications, electronics, toys, and clothing.
What’s the Cost?
For members of Amazon’s Prime shopping club, the one-hour delivery service is priced at $9.99, while the three-hour option costs $4.99. Non-Prime customers will pay $19.99 for one-hour delivery and $14.99 for three-hour delivery. It’s important to note that Prime members will continue to receive free same-day delivery as part of their annual memberships.
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- Amazon introduces 1-hour and 3-hour delivery in U.S. (cbsnews.com)