Amazon plans new one-hour pickup service in stores, Business Insider reports

Dec 11 (Reuters) – Amazon is developing a “rush” pickup service that would let customers collect ​orders from its stores within an ‌hour, Business Insider reported on Thursday, citing an internal document ‌and a person familiar with the matter.

The feature would allow shoppers to place a “unified” order combining items from Amazon’s online store and its ⁠physical outlets, according ‌to the report.

Retailers are increasingly investing in quick-delivery models as they rush ‍to cash in on growing demand for instant commerce.

The e-commerce giant plans to pilot the program in at ​least one metropolitan area by early 2026, ‌though the timeline may have changed, Business Insider reported.

Amazon did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Earlier this month, the company said it was testing “Amazon Now,” an ultra-fast delivery ⁠service for household essentials ​and fresh groceries in parts ​of Seattle and Philadelphia.

In August, Amazon began offering same-day delivery for perishable groceries ‍to its ⁠Prime subscribers. The service was made available in over 1,000 U.S. cities, with plans ⁠to expand to 2,300 cities by the end of ‌the year.

(Reporting by Anhata Rooprai in Bengaluru; ‌Editing by Anil D’Silva)