Regional grocer anticipates Prime expansion

Sprouts Farmers Market doesn't plan on backing out of its partnership with Amazon any time soon.



Despite Amazon’s recent announcement to purchase of Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market plans to continue its role as an Amazon Prime Now delivery partner. More so, the grocer expects the program to extend to more than half of its store network, according to Food Navigator-USA.



Shorter-term, Sprouts anticipates that 20 stores will be participating in the program by year’s end. As the company looks ahead, it anticipates that “one-third to 40% or 50% of stores” could be part of the program, the report said.



“The key point is that it helps us extend our trade area,” Amin Maredia, Sprouts CEO, said in the report.



Through the partnership, Amazon Prime members get free two-hour grocery delivery on orders over $20. Orders are fulfilled and delivered by Sprouts, the report said.



Sprouts operates more than 275 stores in 15 states.