Amazon launches 30-minute delivery in dozens of US cities, raising the stakes
Amazon said it is rolling out 30-minute delivery across dozens of US cities, sharply escalating the speed race in e-commerce. The move could force rivals such as Walmart and Instacart to match the new tempo with fresh logistics spending.
Amazon said it is launching 30-minute delivery for selected product categories in dozens of US cities. The company said the service will draw on micro-fulfillment hubs placed close to dense urban areas and a larger network of courier drivers.
The step raises competitive pressure on retail rivals Walmart and Target and on grocery specialist Instacart. Analysts note that ultra-fast delivery drives customer loyalty but is operationally expensive: without higher warehouse density, more drivers and continuing technology investment it can erode margins.
Wall Street is reading the move as another sign that US consumer demand remains resilient. But if competitors are forced to respond in kind, logistics spending across the e-commerce sector is likely to rise sharply through 2026.
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