Boy, this sure takes me back to the late 20th Century when I would go online with my 26k connection and buy groceries online. Of course, the dot-com bust sent companies like Webvan and services like Priceline's god awful WebHouse card into financial turmoil (relive the memories at Cnet and Internet News). So I am taken aback a little bit when I see that Amazon how now decided to enter the online grocery business.

It seems all grocery items qualify for Amazon's free super saver shipping on orders over $25. Most items are available only in bulk quantities, making it a good choice if you don't want to pay to join wholesale stores like Sam's Club. Though I must say, I never thought I'd see the day where you could buy $20 worth of Maypo from what was once an online book store. Apparently over 10,000 products are already available on Amazon's grocery list, and it appears Amazon will extend their usual special saving types of promotions from other departments to groceries (who can resist an offer like $10 off when you buy $30 worth of noodle bowls?)

This is a risky move by Amazon. I don't know that many people will do their weekly grocery shopping from them, but maybe there is the potential for cross-promotional ideas between departments (e.g. Buy 3 DVDs, get a 6-pack of popcorn for free).

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Report Published by: Mark Raby