AmazonAnnounceIt is once again upgrading its e-commerce logistics service map, and expects to expand its "same-day delivery" and "next-day delivery" services to more than 2026 small cities, towns and remote communities by the end of 4000. It is estimated that this will connect tens of millions of potential users and further consolidate its e-commerce dominance in the US market.
This expansion of same-day delivery services for "daily necessities" includes groceries, beauty products, cleaning products, and pet food. If the user is a Prime member and spends more than $25 in a single transaction, they can enjoy free same-day delivery service.
Amazon said that nearly 1000 small towns have been included in this delivery plan, and about XNUMX% of the popular products are daily necessities, indicating that the development potential of such services in non-urban areas is rapidly fermenting.
To support this logistics upgrade, Amazon has invested $40 billion to expand its warehouse facilities and hire more delivery drivers. It has also introduced an artificial intelligence forecasting system to accurately assess popular local products. For example, in Iowa, wild bird feed is provided to cater to birdwatching needs as migratory birds pass through. In Ohio, which boasts abundant outdoor attractions, it focuses on travel backpacks. It even offers after-sun skincare products in Maryland, a state with abundant sunshine. These efforts reflect its localized supply strategy and its tailored product layout to local conditions.
On the other hand, Amazon has also transformed its original distribution centers into "hybrid logistics hubs" to allow goods to reach recipients more quickly, thereby shortening logistics time and improving overall delivery efficiency.
This measure is expected to put considerable pressure on local brick-and-mortar retail. Although Amazon emphasizes that this adjustment will help more small and medium-sized enterprises expand their sales opportunities, some believe that this move will squeeze the living space of local businesses, especially with rising rents and operating costs. Large-scale e-commerce companies like Amazon providing same-day delivery services will attract more people to order daily necessities online, thereby reducing the proportion of purchases made through physical channels.
