Amazon announced shipping deals and deadlines that give U.S. consumers a license to spend on really, really last-minute holiday shopping, basically a procrastinator’s dream come true.
At the same time, Amazon experienced some issues hitting those high fulfillment expectations over a record Cyber Weekend, some of it weather related, from which it has since recovered. even with all of its logistics infrastructure in place, months after severing ties with FedEx on the ground and in the air.
Prime customers who live in eligible areas can shop millions of products on Christmas Eve, and receive them in time for gift exchanges with Prime free same-day delivery if ordered by 9:30 a.m. local time. Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market purchases on Christmas Eve in those eligible areas offer free two-hour delivery.
The company said Prime members also qualify for free one-day delivery on more than 10 million items that include toys and electronics, home good, and fashions.
Even if you’re not a Prime member, all U.S. consumers can shop hundreds of millions of products through Dec. 14 and receive them by Christmas, with free shipping on orders over $25, the company said.
Besides delivery, shoppers can also pick up orders from Amazon lockers and stores run by a growing list of partners including Rite Aid, GNC, Stage Stores, Kohl’s and Stein Mart. Amazon stores are open in 12 U.S. states on Christmas Eve.
The ecommerce giant is also enticing more shoppers into the Prime pool, 100 million plus and growing, by offering a free trial over the holidays. Most items ordered during the holiday season can be returned until Jan. 31, 2020, Amazon said.