Amazon Prime Day has grown far beyond just a “shopping day.” What started as a one-day promotional event in 2015 expanded to a two-day event in 2019. In 2025, the holiday has evolved into a four-day shopping extravaganza, providing shoppers with more time to enjoy a wide range of discounts on everyday essentials and big-ticket items.
The Prime Day Effect on Multifamily Apartment Buildings
For multifamily apartment buildings, the “Prime Day effect” doesn’t last just four days — it can stretch across weeks. With hundreds of packages arriving in a short window, apartment buildings without efficient package handling systems quickly become chaotic. Staff are stressed, and residents are frustrated. This results in overflowing lobbies, disorganized mailrooms, and packages lying in unsecured areas, making theft much more likely.
As online shopping periods grow larger, consumer expectations for secure delivery methods rise. Multifamily apartment building managers and staff are under pressure to provide secure, convenient, and future-proof package delivery systems that can withstand these high-volume periods. Systems that may have barely survived a two-day Prime Day in years past will buckle under the pressure of the new four-day event this July.
Read on to learn about the growing impact of Prime Day, and how the Smart Package Room® system — a secure, all-in-one package management solution — efficiently handles Prime Day package volumes, meeting multifamily residents’ demands for convenience and security.
A Prime Day 2024 Recap
Last year, Prime Day took place on July 16th and 17th, breaking online shopping records for shopper participation and total online sales in the United States. Globally, independent retailers took the lead in terms of total volume of items sold.
Here are the key takeaways:
- Shopper Participation (U.S.): 180 million
- Total Online Sales (U.S.): $14.2 billion
- Items Sold by Independent Retailers (Global): 200 million
- Top Shopping Categories (Global):
- Apparel and Shoes: 27%
- Home Goods: 25%
- Household Essentials: 24%
- Electronics: 21%
- Health/Beauty: 20%
Overall, Prime Day 2024’s trends confirm that online shopping is indeed booming. Consumers across the globe are more eager than ever to take advantage of the large discounts and lightning-fast shipping capabilities. The mix of big-ticket and essential goods purchases last Prime Day indicates the need for scalable, all-in-one package management solutions in multifamily communities.
Looking Ahead: Prime Day 2025 Predictions
Prime Day 2025 runs from July 8th to 11th, with double the deals in double the number of days. As we look ahead to Prime Day 2025, U.S. consumers are facing much greater uncertainty with the recent tariff announcements. In preparation, 66% of U.S. shoppers are expected to begin their back-to-school and holiday shopping during Prime Day before prices are expected to increase.
The tariff threats along with an extended four-day Prime Day will result in a perfect storm for package chaos in multifamily apartments. Delivery volumes are expected to shatter last year’s record, which will push package delivery systems to their limits.
According to a recent Adobe sales forecast, total online sales from Prime Day 2025 in the U.S. are expected to reach a whopping $23.8 billion, a $9.6 billion increase from last year’s event. Consumers are expected to purchase a mix of big-ticket items, such as electronics, sporting goods, and appliances, along with more budget-friendly products like back-to-school supplies and household essentials.
Why Consumers Demand Convenience and Security
Today’s multifamily residents expect more than just a space to pick up packages. They expect secure, seamless access to their purchases. Digital tracking and access codes, surveillance cameras, and 24/7 pickup are no longer “nice to have” features. They’re essential amenities that residents demand, especially during peak online shopping days like Prime and the holiday season. However, only modern package management solutions can handle this type of influx.
Why Package Lockers for Apartments and Basic Package Room Fall Short
Package lockers for apartments and basic package rooms may seem like secure and convenient package management solutions. However, they often fail to keep up with the increased volume experienced during peak online shopping periods, such as Prime Day.
The problem with smart lockers:
- Fixed compartments can’t accommodate oversized or irregularly shaped packages
- Overflow causes clutter and increases theft risk
- Bulky hardware limits scalability during high-volume periods
- Tracking is limited to delivery moments, not the entire chain of custody
The problem with basic package rooms:
- No deterrents for theft, anyone can walk in and take a package
- Disorganized package areas lead to timely resident pickups
- Package audit trail is recorded only when a package gets delivered to the room, not the full logistics chain
Enter the Smart Package Room System
The Smart Package Room® system is not just another package room. It’s a future-proof package management solution designed to keep up with the accelerating pace of eCommerce orders and increased package delivery volume.
Here’s how the Smart Package Room system helps prevent theft and boost convenience for residents during peak shopping periods:
1. Authorized Resident Access — every package delivered into the Smart Package Room solution is secured behind an access-controlled door, unlocked only by a QR code sent to the resident when their package arrives. This feature alone stops a huge percentage of theft.
2. 24/7 Monitoring with Presence Sensors — monitor personnel entering the room 24/7. Whether a delivery is being made at noon or midnight, the system is always watching who enters the room, capturing images, dates, and times of all activity.
3. Computer Vision for Precision Package Tracking — ensures every package is logged and tracked. When a resident scans their QR code, the system’s light and laser guidance help pinpoint the exact location of their package. If a resident picks up the wrong one, an audio alarm sounds, prompting them to return the item to the shelf.
4. Flexible, Around-the-Clock Pickup — empowers residents with the freedom to retrieve deliveries on their terms, improving daily life while reducing stress for property staff, who no longer need to be present when a resident’s package arrives.
5. Future-Proof Design — the open-shelf design allows for seamless scalability and three times higher capacity compared to smart lockers in the same footprint. The all-in-one space accepts packages of any size or shape, from envelopes to mattresses. Packages are organized into clearly marked areas: Standard, Flat, Oversized, Cold Storage, and Dry Cleaning. This organization reduces clutter and confusion, which is especially helpful during high-volume periods like Prime Day.
Primed for the Future of Package Management
As online shopping continues to evolve, the average resident in a multifamily community is receiving more packages than ever before. Communities need smart, scalable package delivery systems that can withstand pressure without compromising security or convenience.
Investing in a Smart Package Room system empowers multifamily buildings to transform chaotic peak periods into seamless, stress-free experiences. For property managers, it’s the smartest way to protect packages. Residents love the system for the convenience and peace of mind it offers — on Prime Day and every day.
Ready to upgrade your package delivery system to one that is built for the future of online shopping? Schedule a free consultation today!