These are designated storage areas within Amazon’s fulfillment centers that hold items specifically marked for expedited delivery to members of its Prime program. These strategically positioned holding areas allow for quicker retrieval and packing of Prime-eligible products, contributing to the faster shipping times promised to subscribers. As an illustration, a commonly purchased item by Prime members might be stocked in one of these areas to ensure rapid processing upon order placement.
The existence of these optimized storage spaces is critical to Amazon’s ability to meet its Prime delivery commitments. They allow for increased efficiency within the fulfillment network, reducing the distance and time required to prepare orders for shipment. Historically, as Prime membership grew, the need for such specialized inventory management became essential to maintain service levels and customer satisfaction.