Amazon is launching a "place in line" feature to address "unprecedented" demand for online grocery shopping amid the coronavirus pandemic.
It said the virtual waiting list will let it distribute delivery windows to customers on a first come, first served basis. New customers will also have to request an invitation to use Amazon's grocery delivery and pickup services, and the company will add more capacity for them each week.
What's more, the company has opened a temporary store in California that will be dedicated to online grocery delivery orders. Meanwhile, some Whole Foods Market stores will shift focus to only fulfilling online orders.
Amazon said its grocery service is strained not only because of high demand, but also because of social distancing efforts inside stores.
The company's cutting store hours to give employees time to restock shelves and sanitize things; restricting the number of customers and employees in stores; and adding plexiglass barriers at checkouts; among other cleanliness and sanitation protocols.
