The logo of Amazon is seen on a package at the Amazon distribution center warehouse in Saran, near Orleans, France, November 22, 2016.
PHOTO: REUTERS
The US-only promotion, effective from November 5, waives the $25 minimum that customers outside Amazon’s loyalty club Prime must hit for free shipping. The deal lasts until Amazon can no longer promise items in time for Christmas with free delivery, which typically takes five to eight business days.
Facebook launches artificial intelligence video-calling device ‘Portal’
The announcement could help Amazon sustain its rapid sales growth. Shares of the world’s largest online retailer were hammered last month after it forecast the slowest rise in revenue at least since the start of 2016. The current quarter typically is Amazon’s biggest.
Amazon cut its order minimum for free shipping to $25 from $35 indefinitely in May 2017.
Monday’s news will pile pressure on Walmart and Target, which in recent years have chipped away at Amazon’s lead with their own offers of free two-day shipping. While Walmart has maintained its $35 order threshold this holiday, Target has scrapped its minimum until December 22.
Just over half of all US households have a Prime subscription, analysts estimate. Prime remains the cornerstone of Amazon’s business because shoppers buy more from the retailer once they pay $119 for the year-long membership. Perks include same-day shipping and video streaming.
Amazon launches in Turkey
Amazon is now courting those outside the club, hoping its brand and wider selection will set it apart. Free shipping can apply to hundreds of millions of items on Amazon, versus hundreds of thousands on Target. Target promises to deliver the items faster, however.
It was unclear how free delivery on small-ticket items would impact net income for Amazon, which last month touted improvements in efficiency.
According to the Seattle company’s latest annual filing, shipping costs nearly doubled from 2015 to 2017, reaching $21.7 billion.
1734780406-0/Untitled-(11)1734780406-0-165x106.webp "article")
1734778885-0/Untitled-(10)1734778885-0-165x106.webp "article")
1734776708-0/Untitled-(8)1734776708-0-165x106.webp "article")
1721986403-0/BeFunky-collage]-(47)1721986403-0-270x192.webp "openai unveils new o3 models for diverse tasks")
1734587529-0/Express-Tribune-(1)1734587529-0-270x192.webp "pakistan to host another icc event")
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ