Amazon announced an expansion of its Dash replenishment system this week, forming partnerships with manufacturers of printers to pet food dispensers. Dash buttons were launched last year to much attention, but the real star of the show is just emerging, Dash Replenishment Services (DRS). Designed to integrate with smart, connected devices, DRS will automatically order…
In an effort to sell more books, Amazon, the king of online retail, has opened its first brick-and-mortar store in its hometown of Seattle. Located in a mall near the University of Washington, the outlet has been dubbed Amazon Books. Amazon getting physical is a curious move, will it pay off or will it be…
Amazon is looking to “build the future of delivery” with the launch of its new service, Amazon Flex. The idea behind Amazon’s newest endeavor is hiring regular, everyday folks as independent contractors to deliver packages for its Prime Now customers, similar to Uber’s transportation service. Anyone who is at least 21 years with a car,…
Originally announced on March 31st, Amazon’s Dash Buttons were first thought to be an April Fool’s joke; however, the one-touch purchase gadgets are very much real and are now available for purchase. Released within the past week, the buttons, which are physical Wi-Fi enabled devices, allow users to order popular household items from certain brands…
The USPS has announced plans to begin delivering groceries in the NY metro area, following successful testing in San Francisco, reports Internet Retailer. In a regulatory filing it made earlier this month, the USPS stated its intent to expand it’s Customized Delivery program to NYC and the surrounding areas, totaling 38 zip codes. The program is…
Walmart has rolled out a new loyalty program that offers unlimited free, 3-day shipping on 1 million top-selling products for $50 annually. Positioned as a value-alternative to Prime, Amazon’s free 2-day shipping program which costs $99/year, Walmart does not offer any of the perks associated with Prime membership (video streaming, book lending library, etc.). Additionally…
Last Thursday, Amazon implemented Amazon Prime Now, yet another benefit for Prime subscribers, a one-hour delivery service for select products in Manhattan. One-hour delivery costs $7.99, but two-hour delivery is completely free for Prime members. The online retail giant has not disclosed logistical details, but its new 17-year lease on over 400,000 square feet of…
Amazon has expanded its Amazon Local services to include food takeout and delivery from participating restaurants in the Seattle area. This expansion directly positions companies like Seamless and GrubHub in Amazon’s crosshairs, as it looks to dominate the market. So far, the service has followed Amazon’s typical launch path, as the service is currently only…
The USPS announced plans to expand its early-morning package delivery service pilot for 2 years in San Francisco. Currently, the USPS delivers Amazon Fresh totes to consumers’ homes during a 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. delivery window. The approved pilot would allow these operations to continue, and open up the pilot to additional retailers and…
Google Express has shortened its name, but broadened its services. Formerly known as Google Shopping Express, Google’s same-day delivery service announced expansion to Boston, Chicago, and Washington D.C., in addition to its previous service areas of the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and NYC. The service is now available for subscription, offering unlimited deliveries of orders…
