Amazon brings Prime Now to Nashville

Amazon is raising the stakes when it comes to delivering packages in Middle Tennessee.

The e-commerce behemoth announced plans Friday to bring its one-hour delivery service Prime Now to Nashville and surrounding areas.

What that means: Amazon Prime members can get free two-hour delivery on tens of thousands of "daily essentials" through a mobile app. One-hour delivery costs $7.99, according to a media release. The service includes household products, electronics, food and more.

Amazon Prime members pay $99 a year for two-day shipping and access to Amazon's video streaming service.

Nashville is the 23rd market worldwide for Amazon Prime Now.

The Nashville area delivery is available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

I downloaded the Prime Now app this morning and the delivery service is officially available in Nashville, although the company said to download the app and customers will be notified when delivery is available in their zip code. Amazon spokeswoman Nina Lindsey said the company plans to rapidly expand the service to surrounding areas.

Customers can browse through items separated into categories or search for specific items. A "Nashville Loves" category included Tennessee Volunteers earrings and a Titans iPhone case.

Thousands of products were available for ultra-fast delivery, including a stainless steel turkey baster, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, toothpaste, socks, jump ropes, hammocks, cat food and Xbox 360 games.

The service requires an order of $20 or more for delivery.

When I went to check out with paper towels, hand soap and a case of water in my cart, it offered me free delivery between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Friday morning. It also gave the option of selecting other timeframes over the next two days, along with a "leave it at the door" option.

Lindsey said products are housed at a new Amazon facility in downtown Nashville — the company's sixth facility in the state — although she couldn't offer the specific address. Amazon has fulfillment centers in Lebanon and Murfreesboro and a sorting center near Nashville the airport.

"We work with a variety of carriers and utilizing our existing network and more than 20 years of our logistical expertise and logistical technology we've been developing to deliver these products," Lindsey said.

She said people will be delivering products by car, public transportation and foot.

When asked whether the Prime Now restaurant delivery service — which is available in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle and San Diego — could be coming to Nashville, Lindsey said she had no news to report yet.

"I don’t have anything to share right now but stay tuned. We’re constantly assessing and gathering feedback from our customers.” Lindsey said.

Reach Lizzy Alfs at 615-726-5948 and on Twitter @lizzyalfs.