Amazon has announced that it has struck a deal with the United States Post Office to offer its customers Sunday delivery, starting immediately within the Los Angeles and New York areas but will continue to be rolled out across the US over the coming year.

Amazon continuously finds new ways to innovate and to differentiate itselves from others in the industry.  This new offering comes at a good time for Amazon.  Its warehouse expansions across the US have required the internet giant to begin charging sales tax in an increasing number of states, giving up an advantage it held over many of its competitors. 

"The three big pieces of growth for us are selection, lower prices and speed," said Dave Clark, vice president of worldwide operations and customer service. "Adding an additional day is all about delivery speed. An Amazon customer can order a backpack and a Kindle for their child and be packing it up on Sunday for school on Monday."

Amazon may have been the only retailer with the clout to tempt the post office to venture into unchartered territory; Amazon spends billions in shipping charges, it spent over $1.5 billion in shipping last quarter alone.  Of course this new partnership will also prove a boon to the US Post Office which lost $16 billion last year.  While overall mail has declined, the post office has seen a rise in parcel packages and online shipping continues to increase in popularity. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe explains "The fastest growing segment is the package business. The future of package delivery is a seven-day-a-week schedule. We've got the capacity to do it."

What do you think?  Will a Sunday delivery option make you more likely to shop at Amazon?  Share your thoughts below.

Note: Amazon has announced all customer orders will be eligible for Sunday delivery, not only Prime members as stated in the video.