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Starting today, Google will pick up items from retailers and deliver them to select zip codes in Chicago. This is part of an expanding new service called Google Express that will compete with the internet titan's rival Amazon and a host of newer startups such as Curbside.
“We work with third-party couriers,” said Anaik Weid, communications manager at Google. “They drive Google Express vans and wear Google uniforms. The stores will have someone to pick up the items and have them ready, and then the courier will drive by, pick up those items, and deliver them to your house.”
[ibimage==41387==Medium==none==self==ibimage_align-right]As of now, the service delivers as far north as Wrigleyville, as far south as Bridgeport, and as far west as Humboldt Park. The cost will be around $5 per delivery, with monthly and yearly plans available for steady customers. Chicagoans can currently try Google Express free for 90 days. For same-day delivery, orders must be placed by 3:20 p.m. Central Time. Deliveries can occur any time between 9:00 a.m. And 10:00 p.m. or within selected delivery windows, if those slots haven't filled up.
Google Express partners so far include Treasure Island Foods, Costco, Walgreens, Target, and more. It plans to work with national resources including Guitar Center, Sports Authority, Staples, and Toys “R” Us.
“We've been testing the service for a few weeks now with Google employees in Chicago,” said Weid. “We reached the point where we were able to bring it to the public.”
Along with today's local launch, the delivery service picked today to officially change its name from Google Shopping Express to Google Express. From its start in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, it plans to expand to Boston, Washington DC, and other major cities.
