Google began testing its Google Shopping Express program Thursday, offering same-day delivery service that will bring goods right to the doorstep of online shoppers. San Francisco was the city of choice that Google decided to pilot Shopping Express in, hoping to rival other online shopping/shipping platforms, particularly Amazon.
When shopping using Google Shopping Express, users will select their products from Google's online storefront and select a shipping option. Google will then allow users to have products delivered to them on the very same day of purchase by choosing the "anytime today" option. The first six months of the service are free for testers and Google has not yet released the pricing details, as the program is still in its experimental stage.
Google Shopping Express hopes to add convenience and minimize physical shopping. San Francisco Bay Area residents are being encouraged to help test this new shopping experience initiative by giving the service a try. The pilot is offering unlimited same-day delivery and those interested in testing the program may sign up for the six-month free membership here.
"As a tester, you will be able to shop online, in a single place, from retailers such as Target, Walgreens, Staples, American Eagle and Toys"R"Us/Babies"R"Us — along with locally distinct shops such as San Francisco's Blue Bottle Coffee, and the Bay Area's Palo Alto Toy & Sport and Raley's Nob Hill Foods, and get your items delivered that same day," said Tom Fallows, product management director, Google Shopping Express on the Google Commerce blog.
Over the past decade, online shopping has grown in popularity among consumers. According to reports, in 2012, online retail sales in the U.S. totaled 289 billion dollars, increasing from the reported 256 billion in retail sales in 2011. Founded in 1995 as an online bookstore, Amazon is the most well-known online shopping company. The company soon expanded into various retail goods, including electronics.
Google aims to have an advantage over Amazon in the e-commerce platform, with the added convenience of same-day service provided by Google Shopping Express.
