SAN FRANCISCO — Keep the engine running and let the kids sleep. Amazon is starting a new curbside pickup service at some Whole Foods for Prime members.
The new service will allow members of its Prime subscription service to order groceries on the Amazon Prime Now app and pick them up at Whole Foods without having to get out of the car.
Whole Foods, which Amazon bought last year, isn't the first grocery store or retailer to offer curbside pick-up. Target, Walmart, Kroger and Nordstrom offer similar services.
Amazon has been trying to lure Prime members to Whole Foods with exclusive deals and shopping conveniences. Earlier this year, the e-commerce company rolled out a delivery service for Prime members who shop at Whole Foods.
“Different customers have different needs," Tanvi Patel, head of business development for Prime Now, said. "Customers prefer the convenience to pick up groceries on their way home, on their way to the park or on their way to a friend's house.”
The pick-up option also makes multi-tasking easier, Patel said. Staying in the car allows you to remain on a conference call or saves you the hassle of getting your kids out of the car and into the store.
So, how does the pick-up process work?
First, order your groceries through the Prime Now app — pick-up is available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Then, drive to Whole Foods and park in the designated pick-up area, note your parking spot number in the app and wait for a Prime Now shopper to find you.
Pick-up is free on orders of $35 or more and $1.99 on orders less than $35. And if you need the groceries fast, you can get them in a 30-minute window for an extra $4.99.
The service is starting Wednesday in two cities, Virginia Beach, Virginia and Sacramento, California, and expanding to more cities that already offer the delivery service throughout this year.
