Amazon have recently revealed that they are giving elderly, disabled, and other high risk people priority pickup and a priority shopping window at their Whole Foods supermarkets.
During COVID-19 grocery delivery has been one of the main areas in global demand. Amazon have noticed this demand within the communities they serve in the US. Amazon and Whole Foods Market are doing what they can to meet the demands and give consumers the services they require as best they can but with these demands come with even more risk for those who are vulnerable. Customers in the US can now go to amazon.com/wholefoods, select “Pickup,” and begin building their cart. When they are ready to check out, they can select the first pickup window of the day, which is marked reserved for high risk customers.
Pickup is currently available at more than 150 Whole Foods Market stores. In addition, all Whole Foods Market stores are open to serve this group of customers one hour before opening to the public. Giving vulnerable customers priority to shop ensures everyone is getting the service they require whilst relieving some of the pressures on some supermarkets. It also means that elderly and vulnerable people still have the chance to do their shopping in a safer setting if they have been affected by Amazon adding new Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market delivery and pickup customers to a waitlist.
It could be questioned as to whether the limitations of online grocery delivery have prompted companies to create more options for vulnerable consumers to do their essential shopping. Perhaps more online solutions for vulnerable people are needed when online capacity is clearly being tested all over the world.
