Google expands home delivery in US

Google on Tuesday expanded its shopping home delivery service into the midwestern portion of the United States, covering an additional 25 million people.

Google Express shopping service launched two years ago added Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin to the roster of states where it will let people order online from selected shops and then get the goods to doorsteps.

"We're delighted to launch Google Express to over 25 million more people, with overnight delivery in the Midwest," service general manager Brian Elliott said in a blog post.

"Whether same-day in our seven metro areas or overnight in northern California, it’s been a pleasure to see the service become part of people's lives."

Google Express retail partners include Costco, Barnes & Noble, Toys "R" Us, Walgreens, and L’Occitane en Provence.

The expansion comes in a budding competition to online retail titan Amazon, which includes free delivery as part of its Prime subscription service. Google Express members can get free shipping, while non-members are charge delivery fees.

Google Express launched in the Silicon Valley area in 2013 and has since spread to New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, and Washington DC.

Internet giants such as Google and Facebook have are eager merge their online popularity with real-world shopping, which brings with it the potential to share in revenue from transactions.
Source: AFP