Amazon now allows shoppers in 1,000 cities across the U.S. to order perishable food items through its Same-Day Delivery service. This move positions the e-commerce giant to compete more directly with Instacart and Walmart+ in the fast-growing quick-commerce market. The company plans to expand this service to over 2,300 cities by the end of the year.
Customers can now order fresh grocery items such as produce, dairy, meat, seafood, and baked goods, alongside everyday household products and electronics, all available for Same-Day Delivery. Amazon assures shoppers that its specialized temperature-controlled fulfillment network will keep perishable groceries fresh. Orders undergo a six-point quality check before delivery, and temperature-sensitive items are transported in insulated bags.
Same-day delivery is free for Prime members on orders over $25. If an order falls below that amount, subscribers can still opt for same-day delivery for a $2.99 fee. Non-Prime members can use the service for a flat fee of $12.99, regardless of order size.
Amazon noted that customers in test markets like Phoenix, Orlando, and Kansas City quickly embraced the convenience of ordering perishable groceries such as bananas, milk, eggs, and bread through Same-Day Delivery. Popular items now include strawberries, Honeycrisp apples, limes, and avocados, which rank among the top 10 items in Same-Day Delivery carts.
This expansion comes as Amazon faces challenges in driving foot traffic to its physical stores, signaling a stronger push into the online grocery delivery space.