Amazon to expand Prime delivery services in more than 4,000 smaller US cities, towns for the first time
Tech giant Amazon is expanding its rapid delivery machine to more rural corners of the US. The company said it is bringing prime delivery speeds as fast as the same day to thousands of smaller cities, towns and rural communities across the United States for the "first time". The company plans to expand the convenience and reliability of Same-Day and Next-Day Delivery to tens of millions of U.S. customers in more than 4,000 smaller cities, towns, and rural communities by the end of the year, as the company doubles down on efforts to grow its domestic footprint.
The company in a statement said it is investing over $4 billion to triple delivery network by 2026 and each new amazon facility will create 170 jobs on an average. "By investing in rural communities, Amazon's speedy delivery will save customers time and money regardless of where they live, from North Padre Island, Texas and Asbury, Iowa to Lewes, Delaware and Fort Seneca, Ohio. With Prime, members have access to unlimited free Same-Day Delivery when spending over $25 at checkout," Amazon said.
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Amazon earlier this year announced plans to spend more than $4 billion to grow its U.S. rural delivery network by the end of 2026, promising faster shipments to drive up demand from consumers in small towns and the countryside.
The company said it was already seeing customers purchase more frequently and shop for household essentials at higher rates since it started offering faster deliveries in these regions.
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With more than 200 million paid Amazon Prime members worldwide, Prime has become a key growth engine for the company. In a bid to boost Prime's performance, Amazon has focused on expanding geographically while also offering discounts to younger shoppers to grow its subscriber base.
"This expansion goes beyond speed — it's about transforming daily life for rural customers, who typically live farther from brick-and-mortar retailers, have fewer product and brand choices, and face limited delivery options when shopping online," Amazon said in a release.
The announcement comes as Amazon prepares to kick off its longest-ever Prime Day. The 96-hour event will run four days this year starting at 12:01 a.m. PT on July 8, and continuing through July 11.
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