Marketing Digest

Google Express Expands To Multiple Cities in the U.S.

Marketing Digest Writing Team

Google Express Expands to New Cities; Gets New Name, Partners, and Membership Pricing

Google Shopping Express is now ready to go beyond New York City and California as it expands to several new cities—namely Chicago, Boston, and Washington D.C—according to a blog post written by Brian Elliott, Head of Partnerships at Google Shopping.

Apart from the expansion, the company also announced that the service is shortening its name to Google Express, and that it will be introducing a new pricing structure. The service will require a paid membership and per-delivery charge for those who are using it. In addition, 16 new merchants have been added to their list of partners, including popular brands such as Barnes & Noble, PetSmart, Nine West, and Vitamin Shoppe [See Figure 1]. The service also added alcohol and fresh foods to their delivery menu in the Bay Area.

Figure 1

However, unlike before, shoppers now have to pay for the delivery of goods. They have the option to pay for full membership, which costs $95 per year, or they can pay per delivery, which costs $4.99.

As per the announcement, Google won’t be adding any hidden markups so shoppers can be assured that they’ll be paying the same prices they would in-store. The company also offers new shoppers a free trial that lasts for three months. “You can cancel it at any time, so it’s easy to test it out and decide if you like it,” Elliott wrote.

Google’s aim is to make “shopping your favorite local stores as easy and fast as shopping online, and to help you get what you need delivered the same day.” Elliott also added that with the new expansion, over seven million people can now access their same-day delivery service, along with the 12 million in Northern California who are already using it.

For more information about Google Express membership, visit Google’s Help Center.

What do you think of Google Express’ expansion? If you’re in the areas mentioned above, will you use this service to buy goods from traditional outlets? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.

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