AmazonFresh expands to three new markets

Amazon has launched AmazonFresh in Houston, Minneapolis and Phoenix, marking three new cities for the perishables same-day delivery service.

Members of Amazon’s Prime customer benefits program in those markets can now shop tens of thousands of products — ranging from fresh produce, meat and seafood to groceries, household staples and health and personal care items — for one- or two-hour delivery, the e-tail giant said Thursday.

Beer and wine are available for delivery to select customers in Houston. Also through AmazonFresh, Prime members can order best-selling items on Amazon.com, including electronics, home and kitchen, toys and other products.

With the latest expansion, AmazonFresh is now available in 18 major markets, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. The service launched in Las Vegas in late June. Groceries ordered through AmazonFresh are delivered from Amazon fulfillment centers.

“We’re thrilled to introduce AmazonFresh to Prime members in Houston, Minneapolis and Phoenix,” Stephenie Landry, vice president of AmazonFresh and Prime Now, said in a statement. “Prime members tell us they want their stuff even faster. We’re happy to deliver on that ask and can’t wait for customers in Houston, Minneapolis and Phoenix to take advantage of one- and two-hour delivery from AmazonFresh.”

Related:AmazonFresh launches in Las Vegas

Expansion of AmazonFresh has trailed that of Prime Now, Amazon’s same-day grocery delivery and pickup service for Prime members, including via Whole Foods Market stores. Seattle-based Amazon, in fact, has dropped AmazonFresh service in some markets as its refines its online grocery offering since its 2017 acquisition of Whole Foods. In early May, Amazon expanded Prime Now delivery to Whole Foods stores in 88 U.S. markets. Prime Now Pickup service also is offered in 30 metropolitan areas.

AmazonFresh delivery costs $14.99 per month on top of the $119 annual Prime membership. Users get free two-hour delivery for orders of $35 or more (a $4.99 fee is charged for orders less than $35). One-hour delivery costs $4.99 to $7.99 for orders of $35 or more and $9.99 for orders less than $35. New customers can get a 30-day free trial of AmazonFresh and receive $10 off their first order of $35 or more using promotional code “Grocery10” at checkout.

Meanwhile, Prime Now delivery and pickup are included as part of the Prime membership for those who sign up. Members can go online to shop thousands of items for delivery from Whole Foods (and several other retailers), including fresh and organic produce, bakery, dairy, meat and seafood, floral and daily essentials. Alcohol is also available for delivery to customers in some markets. Both delivery and pickup are free for Prime members on orders of $35 or more (a $4.99 fee is charged for orders less than $35). Two-hour delivery is free for orders $35 and up, while one-hour delivery carries a $7.99 fee. Customers also can get pickup in 30 minutes for a $4.99 fee.

Related:Amazon Prime Now delivery launches at more Whole Foods stores