Amazon and Shopify Forge Partnership for ‘Buy With Prime’ Logistics
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Amazon and Shopify have unveiled a strategic partnership that will enable Shopify merchants utilizing the company’s eCommerce tools to leverage Amazon’s robust logistics network, according to PYMNTS. This collaboration empowers U.S.-based Shopify merchants with access to Amazon’s highly sought-after «Buy with Prime» feature, granting Prime members swift and complimentary delivery services. While the initiative has been initiated for a select group of invited Shopify sellers, its availability will extend to all merchants by the culmination of September.
Bloomberg reports that this innovative application is slated for introduction into the Shopify app ecosystem and will be facilitated through Shopify Payments. This novel integration presents an unprecedented opportunity for Shopify merchants to extend Prime advantages to their patrons. Significantly, it enables them to retain absolute control over their brand identity and customer data within the Shopify administrative framework.
Elaborating on this remarkable development, Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify, conveyed in a video message that the integration of this application will introduce a broader spectrum of choices and avenues for success for Shopify merchants. Finkelstein emphasized that the Amazon partnership paves the way for consumers to exercise greater flexibility in their purchase experiences, fostering a deeper connection with cherished independent brands.
In a parallel development, PYMNTS observes that Amazon has recently reinstated its shipping service, known as Amazon Shipping, positioning it in direct competition with industry stalwarts UPS and FedEx. This service equips sellers with the capability to ship Amazon orders and merchandise sold on other platforms. Following a hiatus amid the pandemic, Amazon has revived this program to bolster the array of shipping alternatives accessible to its community of selling partners. This revival aligns with Amazon’s overarching strategy of augmenting fulfillment and logistics services to optimize its delivery network.
The resurgence of Amazon Shipping and the collaborative venture with Shopify serve as indicators of Amazon’s commitment to enhancing its last-mile delivery prowess while diminishing its reliance on conventional carriers. By extending its logistics network to Shopify merchants and expanding its in-house shipping endeavor, Amazon aspires to encompass a more comprehensive consumer journey, thereby assuming greater control over delivery timelines.
This development bears relevance to UPS, as Amazon accounted for a substantial proportion of its total consolidated revenues in the year 2022. The persistent demand for delivery services remains pronounced, particularly as an increasing number of consumers opt for home delivery while engaging in online retail transactions. The strategic alignment between Amazon and Shopify underscores the dynamic shifts occurring within the e-commerce landscape, propelling it toward unprecedented horizons.