Amazon is expanding delivery services in Europe with free same-day deliveries in Germany and the launch of a food delivery service in the UK.
In Germany, the e-commerce giant yesterday launched free same-day deliveries for members of its Prime loyalty scheme in 14 metropolitan regions with a total population of more than 21 million people. These include Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover, Munich, Nuremberg, Stuttgart and most of the Ruhr region (Essen, Dortmund, etc.)
Amazon Prime members who order goods by midday from Monday to Saturday can get them delivered on the same evening between 18:00 and 21:00. Delivery is free for orders of more than €20. The service covers more than one million goods, including books, games, electronic products and household goods.
“Prime members love our rapid free delivery on the next day. So we’re delighted we’re making Prime faster by offering free same-day delivery,” said Ralf Kleber, Amazon’s country manager for Germany. A spokeswoman told German media that the company is cooperating with DHL and city courier firms to provide the service.
In the UK, the company today launched Amazon Pantry, a nationwide food delivery service that is exclusive to Prime members. Amazon says it has ‘millions’ of Prime members in the UK where membership costs £79 a year.
Customers can order from more than 4,000 different non-perishable everyday goods, including food, drink and household goods. Products arrive in a dedicated 20kg capacity box with One-Day Delivery for £2.99. A similar service was started in Germany last month.
“Amazon Pantry has been designed to take the heavy lifting out of replenishing the often bulky basics and store cupboard essentials that people need every day,” said Helene Parthenay, Amazon Pantry Manager at Amazon.co.uk. “We’re always looking to innovate on behalf of our customers and find ways to save them time and money. We think they will love the broad selection, quick delivery and low prices of Amazon Pantry.”
Meanwhile, in the USA, where the Prime scheme costs $99 a year, Amazon has extended its recently launched one-hour restaurant delivery service for Prime Now members to Los Angeles.
Using the Prime Now mobile app, Prime members in Los Angeles can view participating restaurants, browse menus, place orders, track the status of their delivery, and watch in real time as an Amazon delivery driver travels from the restaurant to their delivery address. Food is delivered in an hour or less.
“Los Angeles is known for great local restaurants with cuisines from around world,” said Gus Lopez, general manager, Amazon Restaurants. “We’re excited to offer Amazon Prime customers in Los Angeles a fast and convenient way to enjoy some of the city's best restaurants without having to stand in line or brave the traffic.”
