NEW YORK, UNITED STATES: Amazon is expanding its ultra-fast delivery offerings across U.S. cities, introducing 1-hour and 3-hour shipping options as it steps up competition with rival Walmart.

The move builds on Amazon's broader strategy to drive higher spending and more frequent purchases by making deliveries faster and more convenient. In December, the company launched "Amazon Now," a service that delivers groceries and everyday essentials in 30 minutes or less in select locations such as Seattle and Philadelphia.

"We saw an opportunity to use our unique operational expertise and delivery network to help make customers' lives a little easier while unlocking even more value for Prime members," Amazon Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations Udit Madan said in a press release.

The new 1-hour delivery service is available for more than 90,000 products, including household essentials, toys and personal care items, and is supported by Amazon's existing same-day delivery network. The service has been rolled out in major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles and Chicago, as well as smaller cities like Boise, Idaho.

The 3-hour delivery option is available in more than 2,000 cities and towns, while perishable grocery items are offered in select areas.

To support faster fulfillment, Amazon has added dedicated workstations within its same-day delivery centres, introduced yellow labels for quick package identification, and updated facility signage to guide delivery staff more efficiently.

The faster delivery options come at an added cost. Prime members pay $9.99 for 1-hour delivery and $4.99 for 3-hour service, while non-members are charged $19.99 and $14.99, respectively.