Amazon enters online grocery market

Danny Morgan
Posted: Thursday, July 8, 2010 3:45 pm

Amazon enters online grocery market
Online retailer Amazon has launched its own online grocery offering in the UK in an effort to take on other services such as Tesco and Ocado.


The grocery service, which is currently in beta, will stock over 20,000 grocery products including leading brands as well as offering international and specialist items. The store will sell everyday items such as fruit, vegetables and meat and poultry.

Amazon has said the beta will allow them to test different features while getting feedback from customers.

Delivery options currently include a Free Super Saver Delivery for 3-5 day deliveries which may put off some customers, but a £49 annual fee with Amazon Prime will allow members unlimited free One-Day Delivery.

James Lesson, director of grocery at Amazon.co.uk said: "Amazon.co.uk’s aim is to be the place where customers can find and discover any product they want to buy online, and with the introduction of this new store there are thousands of household, niche, ethnic and international grocery items, all available at the click of a button," said James Leeson, director of grocery at Amazon.co.uk. 

"With unlimited virtual shelf space, customers can choose from a wide variety of products, all of which benefit from free delivery. We will work tirelessly to increase the selection of grocery items available to be delivered directly to customers’ doors."

The online grocery market is predicted to double over the next four years. Retail specialist IGD says the market will grow from £3.7bn to £7.2bn in 2014.