Amazon, Whole Foods Expand Grocery Delivery

With a mission to conquer the grocery e-commerce realm, and no signs of slowing down, Amazon on June 26 expanded its online delivery service from Whole Foods Market via Prime Now to additional cities.

The service has been extended to Chicago, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis and San Antonio, and is now available in 19 cities since its initial launch in February. Amazon said it plans to expand the service to all U.S. Whole Foods stores this year.

“We’ve been delighted with the customer response to delivery in as little as an hour through Prime Now, and we’re excited to bring the service to our customers in Chicago, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis and San Antonio,” Christina Minardi, VP of operations at Austin-based Whole Foods Market, said in a statement. “Today’s announcement is another way that we are continuing to expand access to our high-quality products and locally-sourced favorites.”

Prime Now members can shop Whole Foods’ selection of organic produce, bakery, dairy, meat, seafood and traditional grocery items, and receive free two-hour delivery on orders of more than $35 and one-hour deliveries for a fee of $7.99. The service is available daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. via the Whole Foods Market selection at primenow.com or the Prime Now app.

Related:Amazon Expands Prime Benefit to Whole Foods Stores Nationwide

As a growing number of retailers are enhancing their adult beverage offerings, with some leveraging in-store happy hours to boost sales and showcase new products, Amazon is also offering select alcohol products available for delivery in Chicago, Houston, Minneapolis and San Antonio.

Amazon’s grocery delivery announcement arrives shortly after an expansion of its Prime member savings program to Whole Foods Market and Whole Foods Market 365 stores nationwide beginning June 27. The benefit offers Prime members an additional 10% off sale items as well as discounts on select popular products.