News

Amazon taps Rite Aid for counter-based product delivery

June 27, 2019

Amazon is partnering with Rite Aid in a product delivery service and plans to expand to thousands of locations across the U.S.

The Counter initiative is the latest move by the mega omnichannel retailer to provide options regarding product delivery and pick-up and comes on the heels of similar moves by competitors providing buy online, pick up in-store or curb.

Initially Amazon will use more than 100 Counter locations within the Rite Aid footprint, and the service will be available at no extra cost. It built the Counter technology in-house, according to a press release, and originally debuted it in the U.K. with Next, and in Italy with Giunti Al Punto Librerie, Fermopoint and SisalPay stores.

By the end of the year, the service will roll out across 1,500 Rite Aid locations — from Oyster Bay, New York to Chula Vista, California, the release said.

"Amazon is always looking for innovative and convenient ways for customers to ship and receive their orders," said Patrick Supanc, worldwide director of Amazon Hub, in the release. "With Counter, we've leveraged our growing logistics network and invested in new, easy-to-use technology to give customers yet another delivery option rooted in flexibility and control. We are excited to partner with national businesses like Rite Aid, and local businesses in the future, to create an outstanding experience for our shared customers."