Amazon has expanded grocery delivery and free pickup service to all customers in markets where Amazon Fresh stores and online services are available, regardless of whether they are Prime members or not.
The company is also allowing any customer to order delivery from other grocers and retailers on the Amazon platform. These include grocery chains Bristol Farms, Weis Markets and Save Mart.
Oddly, Amazon said the service for non-Prime customers at Whole Foods Market, which Amazon owns, has not yet fully launched. But the company said this service will soon be available at Whole Foods locations in more than 3,500 cities nationwide.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The move follows the company's launch of the program in a 12-city pilot project earlier this year.
The move is also in line with the broader race to attract shoppers.
As food prices continue to rise, albeit more slowly at present, food producers, supermarkets and restaurants have been stepping up efforts to reach and retain more choosy shoppers with deals and discounts, as Kiplinger previously reported. In its second-quarter earnings call last August, Walmart said it would continue price rollbacks in the food sector, which have been higher than last year, because they work.
At Amazon, customers who pay $139 annually for a Prime membership have seen a few changes this year. In January, the company hiked Amazon Fresh delivery prices for Prime members on orders of less than $150. The service was free for members on orders of more than $150.
But in October, the company lowered the total order amount from $150, to $100, "as the company looks to boost its fresh-food business," according to an October 5 Bloomberg report.
Amazon's latest healthcare offering
The grocery service expansion to non-Prime members comes less than a week after Amazon announced that its One Medical unit will offer Prime members on-demand virtual healthcare service for $9 per month or $99 a year.
In addition, the company recently said it would continue support of Feeding America this holiday season. From November 9 to December 25, Amazon Fresh will match customer donations up to $250,000. Every $1 donated provides 10 meals to those in need, it said. For more information, visit the Amazon Fresh Holiday Campaign homepage.
Related Content
-
12 Books That Taught Us About FinanceFrom classics to recent bestsellers, here are some of the best money and personal finance books you can find on Amazon, according to Kiplinger's editors and writers.
-
Get Apple AirPods Pro 2 for the Lowest Price Ever on Amazon Prime DayScore the AirPods Pro 2 for their lowest-ever price this Amazon Prime Day. Plus, shop for other Apple products on sale.
-
Five Amazon Prime Day Deals We LoveHere's a look at five Amazon Prime Day deals we love this October Prime Day.
-
Amazon Prime Day 2024: Should You Sign Up Before the Big Sale?Becoming an Amazon Prime member affords you dozens of perks. With Prime Day 2024 coming up October 8 and 9, is it worth it to sign up before the big sale?
-
10 Unique Ways To Save Money Shopping With AmazonAmazon offers a lot of value if you know where to look. We'll show you hacks that can help you save on big purchases and everyday items.
-
Amazon Pilot Tests A New Grocery Delivery PlanAmazon Prime is piloting a new plan that, for a monthly fee, will eliminate grocery delivery charges on orders over $35.
-
Amazon To Quit PayPal's Venmo in JanuaryAmazon.com and Amazon mobile app users won't be able to use Venmo as a payment option starting next month.
-
Amazon Adds Hyundai To Its Product List: What To KnowAmazon to sell Hyundai vehicles on its platform next year. Here's what to know before you proceed to check out.
