Amazon is shutting down its Prime Now fast delivery app after 7 years

Prime Now is an on-demand shopping and delivery service launched in 2014 by Amazon as a way for members of its Prime subscription service to get books, toys, household essentials, and other goods delivered to their doorstep in one or two hours for a small fee.

Last Friday, Amazon announced it’s discontinuing and shutting down the stand-alone Prime Now platforms. The e-commerce giant is directing users who want fast delivery on groceries and other goods to order them through the Amazon app or website. Amazon said that the Prime Now app and website will be retired worldwide by the end of this year.

In a statement, Amazon said: “Amazon’s ultrafast shopping experience is moving exclusively onto the Amazon app and website so customers can shop all Amazon has to offer from one convenient location.”

Stephenie Landry, vice president of grocery at Amazon, wrote:

“I was excited for Prime members to experience Prime Now back in 2014, and today I’m thrilled it is becoming an integrated part of the Amazon shopping experience, which continues to evolve and delight customers.”

“To make this experience even more seamless for customers, we are moving the experience from a separate Prime Now app onto the Amazon app and website so customers can shop all Amazon has to offer from one convenient location,” Landry added.

Since its launch, Prime Now is chiefly used by its own Whole Foods Market and Amazon Fresh subsidiaries. An Amazon Prime subscription includes and is required for access to the Prime Now service.

Meanwhile, consumers will still be able to choose two-hour delivery on essentials and other goods via the Amazon app or website. Two-hour grocery delivery will be available via Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods, both of which are on Amazon’s app and website.

Additionally, any third-party retailers or local stores that were offered on the Prime Now app will be moved over to Amazon, including Bartell Drugs, a pharmacy chain in Seattle, and Union Square Wines & Spirits in New York City. Prime Now initially launched in select cities, but it’s now available in more than 5,000 cities and towns and two-hour delivery is free.