Amazon.com Inc. on Thursday began offering one-hour delivery in Manhattan, the retailer’s latest effort to connect consumers with products they order online as quickly as possible.
The “Prime Now” program covers delivery of tens of thousands of household goods, including shampoo, paper towels, toys and books, the Seattle-based company said in a statement. It will expand to additional cities in 2015.
The service makes Amazon more competitive with local retailers, offering customers a delivery option comparable to going to a store and getting an item themselves. It also adds value to Amazon Prime membership, a $99-a-year program offering delivery discounts and video programming.
The service is available through a new app, Prime Now. Two-hour delivery is free to prime members and one-hour delivery is available for $7.99.