Amazon Launches Online UK Grocery Store

Fri, 09 Jul 2010

 
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Amazon, the online retail giant known for selling books and electrical goods, has entered the UK grocery shopping market with the launch of a home delivery grocery service.

The world's largest internet retailer has added thousands of food and drink products to its site, including fresh fruit and vegetables, along with popular household items such as washing detergents and toilet paper .

Online shoppers can also choose from a large selection of international and specialist items including organic, kosher, gluten free, sugar free and vegan ranges, and can also save money by purchasing certain products in bulk such as nappies, washing powders, pasta, rice, herbs, cooking oils and spices.

In terms of delivery, customers can either pay a £49 annual membership fee for unlimited free one-day delivery or select one of Amazon's standard delivery options.

Amazon's grocery director James Leeson said: "Amazon.co.uk’s aim is to be the place where customers can find and discover any product they want to buy online.

"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."

"With unlimited virtual shelf space customers can choose from a wide variety of products, all of which benefit from free delivery.

He added that the company "will work tirelessly" to expand the range of grocery items available for home delivery.

The move by Amazon is likely to be seen as a further blow for loss-making Ocado, the online supermarket which sells Waitrose and John Lewis-branded products.

The company is planning a stockmarket flotation and is aiming for a valuation of over £1 billion, despite failing to make a profit in its 10-year history.