Amazon prioritizes shipments, adds jobs

SEATTLE — Amazon announced this week that it is prioritizing shipments of medical supplies and household staples that come into its warehouses to help it respond to massive consumer demand during the coronavirus pandemic.The online retailer reported to its suppliers that it will not accept any shipments of non-essential consumer goods until April 5.

Amazon has told sellers and vendors that it would accept only shipments of “household staples, medical supplies, and other high-demand products” to its warehouse to deal with high demand amid the coronavirus crisis, according to reports. The online retailer will still deliver any products that are purchased by consumers for supplies that are already in stock.

The company is now prioritizing shipment in six categories: baby product; health and household (including personal-care appliances); beauty and personal care; grocery; industrial and scientific; pet supplies.

Amazon also announced it is hiring 100,000 new full and part-time positions across the U.S. in its fulfillment centers and delivery network to meet the surge in demand. In addition to the new roles, it’s boosting pay, adding an additional $2 per hour to employee salaries in the U.S., through April up from $15 or more.