Google has now expanded its same-day delivery service to Manhattan New York and Los Angeles. Since first launched a year ago, Google Express has only been offered in the San Francisco Bay Area. Google Shopping Express allows users to purchase regular household products such as diapers, laundry detergent and even perishable foods over the internet.

Google’s decision to expand its services may be a result of the recent outbreak of online grocery suppliers. 

Amazon: Amazon recently announced their Prime Pantry services. Prime Pantry offers same day delivery of regular household products that are available for purchase in stores. The launch of Google Shopping Express signals the first real threat to Amazon in a billion dollar industry.

Instacart: In addition, Instacart Inc., an online grocery service, provides users with a “personal shopper” who will purchase and deliver products for users. Users simply choose items they would like purchased, which can be delivered the same day. Instacart was founded by a former Amazon supply chain engine. However, due to it’s failure to execute contracts with certain stores, Instacart may end up being “sandwiched” into obsolescence by Amazon and Google.

In a time where brick and mortar stores are struggling to stay relevant, it is no mystery why Google decided to expand its Google Shopping Express service.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Google Shopping Express is available online or via an iPhone or Android app. It connects users with purchasers who physically visit the store and purchase the products for the users.

The products available for purchase using the Google Shopping Express are the exact same products offered in the actual store with no additional mark-ups. This differs from Instacart where a price mark-up is currently included.

Users will choose what items they would like delivered, submit their order using their computer or mobile devices, check out and a personal shopper will purchase the product for the users.

Once purchased, the products will be delivered at the user’s doorstep at a time and date convenient for the user. Products are delivered, separately, from each store. For example, if you purchase a product sold by Costco and another item sold by Target, two separate shoppers will personally deliver the products within the time frame you request. Items ordered in the morning can usually be delivered the same afternoon. Items ordered in the evening will usually be delivered by the next morning.

Users are also able to claim their in-store loyalty points and/or receive discounts through their reward cards. 

Google shopping express application

Google currently offers 6 months of unlimited deliveries for free to users who sign up for their service. As an enticer, users will also receive a $10 spending bonus. As an alternative to the membership service, users can pay a flat fee of $4.99 per order per store. Google’s no minimum purchase requirement sets its apart from the other online companies offering similar services. 

In Los Angeles, Google Shopping Express currently offers its services in Culver City, Inglewood, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica, Venice, West Los Angeles, and Westwood. Google plans to soon expand delivery to Bel-Air, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Playa Del Rey, Playa Vista, and West Hollywood.

Retailers include Babies “R” Us, Costco, Guitar Center, L’Occitane, Smart & FInal, Staples, Target, Toys “R” Us, and Walgreens.

Google Shopping Express is currently available to the entire island of Manhattan through Babies “R” Us, Costco, Fairway Market, L’Occitane, Staples, Target and Walgreens. Google plans to expand its services to shoppers in Queens and Brooklyn in the upcoming months.

Tom Fallows, head of Google Shopping Express, says Google will keep their prices low by charging retailers in their network. The stores have agreed to pay Google for “bringing them business.” Time will tell what further financial stress Google will apply to Amazon, which is already grappling with shrinking profits.

Topics: Apps, Google Inc.