Reports: Amazon mulls direct pickup, launches Prime Now in Seattle

SEATTLE — Amazon is reportedly planning to offer customers a new option for directly picking up orders.



According to GeekWire, Amazon is currently testing the service, called Amazon Flex, in its Kirkland, Wash., distribution facility.



A sign inside the facility instructs Amazon Flex users to take a ticket with a number, look for the number to be displayed, and then pick up their package. Amazon has not discussed exactly how Flex would work, or when or where it may roll out.



In addition, Amazon has launched its Prime Now one-hour delivery service in Seattle, with Portland, Oregon, as the next targeted city. It will be the first time that Amazon Prime Now will deliver beer, wine and liquor. It is the tenth major city to Prime Now since it launched in Manhattan in December.