Amazon is currently piloting a program where its contracted Flex drivers pick up and deliver packages from malls for delivery to individuals within 24 hours.
While Amazon has often been accused of doing great harm to local businesses, the American giant would now like use all of these stores as suppliers for customers who want same-day delivery. The test, according to a Bloomberg report, appears to have been underway since at least the start of the year and involves malls in Arizona, Nevada and Virginia.
Since the beginning of the year, some customers in the United States have therefore not noticed that Amazon is making deliveries from local malls. Bloomberg reports that Amazon simply lists products available for same-day delivery, and if someone orders something, an Amazon Flex driver picks it up from the partner retailer.
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Amazon wants to help local businesses survive
Much like Instacart or DoorDash drivers, Amazon Flex drivers use their own vehicle to deliver packages. They usually pick up packages from Amazon’s delivery stations, but it’s also possible to pick up parcels in local shops.
Such a partnership with Amazon should greatly help local businesses to embrace the digital age, but above all encourage consumers to order more if they know they will be delivered in less than 24 hours. Some merchants could thus see the number of sales explode. It should be remembered that online commerce has exploded in France since the COVID-19 pandemic, so it is important for e-commerce giants to help physical stores survive. The American giant had already recently greatly helped restaurateurs by offering Deliveroo Plus in its subscription.
It remains to be seen whether or not Amazon intends to extend this program outside the United States in the future. If so, we imagine thatsuch a system will not be available in France for at least several yearsthe time that Amazon establishes partnerships with various shopping centers.
Source: Bloomberg