In 2025, quick commerce—delivering goods in hours or even minutes—has become the defining trend in global retail. E-commerce giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Target are racing to meet skyrocketing consumer demand for instant gratification, transforming how we shop. With 86% of consumers expecting deliveries within two days and 55% willing to pay for same-day service, retailers are investing billions to overhaul logistics, leverage technology, and capture market share in this hyper-competitive landscape.

The Big Players: Amazon, Walmart, and Target

Amazon’s Same-Day Push

Amazon is doubling down on Prime, rolling out same-day delivery to over 2,300 U.S. cities and towns by the end of 2025.

• The company’s $4 billion investment aims to triple its delivery network, with a focus on rural areas and perishable goods like strawberries and milk.

• By integrating groceries into its logistics, Amazon challenges Instacart and Walmart+.

• Prime members can now order fresh produce + electronics for no extra fee on orders over $25.

• This strategy is doubling shopping frequency among new grocery buyers.

Walmart’s Hybrid Advantage

Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, operates more than 10,500 stores globally and is known for its low-cost, mass-market strategy. In the U.S., it runs over 4,600 stores, now being transformed into fulfillment hubs. In India, Walmart is connected to the market through its Flipkart ownership stake, giving it a role in the country’s booming e-commerce ecosystem.

• By mid-2025, 93% of U.S. households are within range of Walmart’s same-day delivery, with a target of 95% by year-end.

• Its “stores as fulfillment centers” model leverages geospatial technology and AI to optimize routes.

• Express delivery until 10 PM and 30-minute ultra-fast delivery are being tested.

• Walmart’s hybrid model (pickup + curbside + delivery) gives it a competitive edge, with 48% of grocery-only customers choosing Walmart’s same-day service vs 36% for Amazon.

Target’s Store-Centric Strategy

Target, the sixth-largest U.S. retailer, is known for mid-range pricing, strong private labels, and its focus on lifestyle and home goods. It operates around 2,000 stores, primarily in the U.S., and has built a reputation for its store-based fulfillment model.

• 97% of online orders are fulfilled by Target stores, which act as mini-warehouses.

• This model cuts shipping costs and ensures 95% next-day delivery.

• Target projects $24 billion in e-commerce sales by 2026.

• The company is investing $100 million in six new sortation centers by 2026, boosting local delivery and creating jobs.

The Technology Driving the Boom

Quick commerce is powered by artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), drones, and automation.

• Walmart’s “Trend-to-Product” engine uses social media data to launch products in weeks.

• Amazon’s AI-driven forecasting stocks high-demand items closer to customers.

• Drone delivery is expanding: Walmart has completed 120,000 drone deliveries, while Amazon is scaling operations in Dallas-Fort Worth.

• Walmart has achieved a 20% drop in per-order delivery expenses through innovation.

Consumer Behavior and Market Impact

• In 2025, mobile commerce accounts for 44% of retail e-commerce sales.

• Consumers spend 50 billion+ hours on shopping apps annually.

• 90% of U.S. consumers use multiple shopping apps to compare speed and price.

• Loyalty is increasingly tied to convenience and delivery speed.

• However, margin pressures from logistics investments weigh on Walmart and Amazon.

• Smaller players risk consolidation as large companies dominate.

Quick Commerce in India

India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing quick commerce markets, valued at $100 billion in 2025.

• Startups like Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart are competing to deliver essentials within 10–20 minutes.

• Despite growth, losses exceed $1.4 billion over four years due to high operational costs.

• Regulatory scrutiny of dark stores and urban congestion remains a challenge.

• Consumers in urban centers are driving adoption, with groceries, fresh produce, and daily essentials being the top categories.

Challenges and Future Outlook

• High operational costs, especially in last-mile delivery, strain profitability.

• Regulatory restrictions on dark stores may reshape delivery models.

• Future growth will focus on balancing speed with sustainability, including:

  • Eco-friendly logistics

  • AI-driven automation

  • Green last-mile solutions

Conclusion

The quick commerce boom of 2025 is redefining global retail, with Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Indian players like Zepto and Blinkit setting the pace.

• Same-day delivery, store-based fulfillment, and AI-driven logistics are transforming consumer expectations.

• The battle for the last mile will decide future winners.

• Success will depend on blending speed, scale, and sustainability to deliver unparalleled convenience in a competitive market.