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Amazon Fresh expected to launch in the UK this month
Although Amazon UK has made a small foray into the world of groceries, it has yet to fully take on Britain's supermarkets with the launch of its Fresh service. That could soon change, however, after The Grocer got wind that the company has already begun servicing a small number of customers from its east London depot. It's also apparently told suppliers to begin deliveries within the next couple of weeks.
Amazon's grocery service now requires a $299 yearly membership
Amazon warned late last year that it would eventually require a $299 yearly membership just to use its AmazonFresh grocery delivery service. And like or not, the internet giant is making good on its word: shoppers in New York City, Philadelphia and Seattle (and possibly other cities) are finding out that they need that pricey Prime Fresh subscription before they can go food shopping. The outlay gives you free delivery on all orders over $50, on top of the benefits of a regular Amazon Prime membership, but it's now considerably more expensive if you only occasionally want groceries shipped to your door. So far, tests that would open the door to standard Prime members (who'd always pay delivery fees) haven't led to anything concrete.
Amazon brings grocery deliveries to the UK via Birmingham
While we've known for a while that Amazon is looking to bring something similar to its "Fresh" grocery delivery service to the UK, details regarding its launch plans have been scarce -- at least until this week. Retail Week reports that the company has quiet begun offering around 50 chilled products to selected customers in Birmingham in what appears to be a small test ahead of a nationwide rollout. Amazon introduced its same-day service in the US last year and it was believed London would play host as its first UK region. It won't be long until customers can arrange deliveries in the capital, however, as the retailer has earmarked the city for its next expansion in the coming weeks.
Amazon wants to build drive-up grocery stores
If you enjoy the luxury of ordering groceries online but would rather not wait at home for your food deliveries, Amazon might soon come to your rescue. Silicon Valley Business Journal understands that Amazon is working on a drive-up grocery store in Sunnyvale, California (a possible concept rendering is shown here) that will rely solely on internet orders -- you'd schedule pickups instead of wandering aisles. Think of it as an AmazonFresh depot that could save you shipping costs while adapting to your schedule.
Amazon's reportedly bringing its grocery delivery service to the UK
Amazon's made a name for itself as the online store that sells practically everything, but it's certainly not a site you visit for your weekly shop. That might change in near future, however, as according to The Times, Amazon is gearing up to launch its AmazonFresh grocery-delivery service in the UK. Amazon introduced the same-day delivery service for household essentials in the US last year, and its now thought it could premiere in London -- where Amazon launched one-hour Prime deliveries last month -- as early as September. AmazonFresh would effectively be competing with the likes of Ocado and the delivery options of several bricks-and-mortar supermarkets, but it's not quite that simple, and we doubt it'll have existing players quaking in their boots.
Amazon's grocery service stops delivering beer and wine
We hope you weren't counting on AmazonFresh to stock up on alcohol for your next big party. GeekWire reports that beer and wine have vanished from the internet grocery service without either a warning or any indication as to whether or not the booze will return. We've reached out to Amazon for an explanation, but it's possible that Amazon is simply playing it safe with regulations. Some states don't allow alcohol delivery, and those that do (such as Amazon's home state, Washington) have regulations that determine both who can make deliveries and how the goods reach your door. Whatever the reasons, you're going to have to either switch to alternatives like Drizly or else get your adult beverages the old-fashioned way. [Image credit: Andrew Hitchcock, Flickr]
Amazon's grocery service hits Brooklyn starting today
Lately, Amazon's been playing a bit of back and forth with its services on either coast. What started with retail locations is now extending to its grocery delivery option, AmazonFresh. Folks living in Brooklyn, New York's Park Slope neighborhood will have access to the service that debuted in Seattle and California starting today, according to Recode. Naturally, you need a Prime membership to access the same-day (or next-day, depending on when you order), but starting next year a pricier $299 "Prime Fresh" subscription will be required. Not in Park Slope? Don't fret: the e-commerce juggernaut told Reuters that it will continue to be "thoughtful and methodical" in its expansion. Bezos and Co. failed to mention, however, if and when it'll be expanding into the likes of Manhattan or other boroughs. Don't get too excited to use that Dash just yet, greater Gotham. [Image credit: adpowers/Flickr]
Amazon's Dash lets you refill your pantry using your voice and LEDs (updated)
Let's be real: Amazon isn't going to stop until you can go your entire life without setting foot in an actual brick-and-mortar store. Now the company wants to make buying groceries and sundries from its AmazonFresh same-day delivery service even easier, and it's doing it with a tiny little gadget called the Dash. Yes, move over Fire TV -- Amazon's newest bit of hardware is a free (for now?), WiFi-capable barcode scanner.
