Amazon and Whole Foods Market announced the introduction of free two-hour delivery of natural and organic products from Whole Foods Market through Prime Now, with plans to expand across the U.S. in 2018.
Starting yesterday, Prime customers in neighborhoods of Austin, Cincinnati, Dallas and Virginia Beach can shop through Prime Now for bestselling items including fresh produce, high-quality meat and seafood, everyday staples and other locally sourced items from Whole Foods Market.
Customers can start shopping from Whole Foods Market selection at www.primenow.com or by using the Prime Now app available on Android and iOS devices.
“We're happy to bring our customers the convenience of free two-hour delivery through Prime Now and access to thousands of natural and organic groceries and locally sourced favorites,” said John Mackey, Whole Foods Market co-founder and CEO.
“Together, we have already lowered prices on many items, and this offering makes Prime customers’ lives even easier.”
Prime customers can shop thousands of items across fresh and organic produce, bakery, dairy, meat and seafood, floral and everyday staples from Whole Foods Market available for free two-hour delivery.
Select alcohol is also available for delivery to customers. Prime members receive two-hour delivery for free and ultra-fast delivery within one hour for $7.99 on orders of $35 or more.
Delivery from Whole Foods Market through Prime Now is available daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Customers can visit www.primenow.com or download the Prime Now app to enter their zip code to see if they are in the delivery area.
As reported by Bloomberg, about 7 percent of U.S. households bought groceries online last year, according to NPD Group.
Read: Growing Ecommerce Grocery Channel Will Accelerate Adoption of Meal Kit Delivery Services
Most of those - about three-quarters - get their orders delivered to their door; the rest pick it up at the store. NPD Group said it expects online grocery shopping to grow quickly, especially among young adults, who are more comfortable shopping online. And grocery chains don't want to miss out when that happens.
Walmart, the country's largest grocer, is making it easier for customers to order groceries online and pick them up at the store.
Target bought grocery-delivery company Shipt late last year. Kroger, the largest traditional supermarket chain, has been promoting store pickup for online orders and doing trials of home delivery.
Amazon isn't saying where delivery will expand, but its Prime Now service is in more than 30 cities, including Chicago, Milwaukee, and San Diego.
The announcement gives Amazon yet another way to get groceries to customer's doorsteps.
Related: Amazon Reportedly Focusing on Expanding its Delivery Trial Offering Threatening FedEx & UPS
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