Amazon Leads in Ultrafast Delivery as Retailers Catch Up
Amazon is expanding one-hour and 30-minute delivery services, while retailers including Walmart are accelerating the development of store-based fulfillment networks and intensifying the ultrafast delivery competition.
What are the key facts?
- 1One-hour delivery in some Amazon cities
- 2Amazon Now delivery in as little as 30 minutes
- 3Approximately 90,000 products covered
- 4Walmart rapid delivery volume up 48%
What happened?
Amazon has launched fast delivery services in some U.S. cities, with approximately 90,000 products available for delivery within one hour. Some orders can also arrive within 30 minutes through “Amazon Now.” The service has further reduced the time consumers wait for products and raised expectations for instant fulfillment across the retail industry.\n\nCompetitors including Walmart are accelerating the use of store networks for fast delivery, with Walmart’s store-based rapid delivery volume increasing 48%. These retailers process orders through store inventory and local delivery networks, giving physical stores a greater fulfillment role. The report said fast delivery has gradually evolved from an Amazon service feature into a capability U.S. retailers are competing on to attract consumers.
What does this mean for cross-border sellers?
Ultrafast fulfillment is becoming a consumer comparison standard rather than merely a platform advantage. Cross-border sellers cannot rely solely on distant direct shipping to remain competitive. When comparable products are already available locally with faster supply, price cuts alone may not offset the delivery-time gap. Highest-priority action: This week, check overseas warehouses, platform warehouses and local delivery coverage for your highest-volume products.