New York CNN store —
Amazon on Monday launched a new shopping portal called Amazon Access, designed for buyers who receive a government Help.
The storefront features SNAP EBT on Amazon, information about the Amazon layaway program that allows all shoppers to pay for their orders over time, and highlights discounts and coupons for all customers on essential groceries.
Amazon already offers some services for low-income customers, such as a discounted Amazon Prime membership. It also accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits for groceries purchased through Amazon Grocery, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods. According to the company, the new portal is intended to be a central hub that combines these individual advantages in one place.
“In this challenging economic climate, with many facing increasing costs for basic needs, we want our customers to be aware of all of the accessibility offerings on Amazon, regardless of their situation,” said Nancy Dalton, director of community partnerships at Amazon Access.
Amazon (AMZN) also announced that it has rebranded its discounted Prime membership to Prime Access. Eligible customers may sign up for the service at Amazon (AMZN) Access.
Neil Saunders, retail analyst and chief executive at GlobalData Retail, said the new portal could be useful for lower-income shoppers.
“It’s something positive that Amazon can point to, showing that it’s helping struggling consumers during a tougher economic time,” Saunders said, adding that Amazon “should be able to generate some additional sales by using the.” Benefits will be consolidated in a new showcase.”
At the same time, he didn’t think Amazon Access would help significantly increase Prime membership.
“Amazon sees this as an opportunity to grow Prime at a time when it’s nearing saturation in the US, as there are still many lower-income consumers who don’t have access to the program,” Saunders said. Former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said in an April 2021 letter to shareholders that the company has more than 200 million Prime members worldwide.
earlier this year, Amazon said the price of its annual Prime subscriptions would increase in the US from $119 to $139 per year and the monthly subscription would also increase from $12.99 to $14.99.
The company said it’s increasing the cost due to “extended Prime membership benefits,” like additional Prime Video content and expanded free same-day shipping, as well as to offset rising labor and transportation costs across its distribution network.
– CNN’s Clare Duffy contributed to this report.