Uber Eats is launching a ‘refreshed grocery delivery service’ with new app features for consumers and retailers.
For consumers, the app will support “‘closed store shopping” which allows shoppers to place orders after hours, “with delivery in the first available window or scheduled at your convenience.”
An ‘item replacement option’ will also be offered within the app, giving shoppers the chance to pick an alternative ‘back-up’ for those items that are low in stock, and not available when the order is fulfilled.
READ MORE: Asda expands Uber Eats partnership with bundles
Grocers on the Uber Eats platform will see ‘improved capabilities’ like barcode scanning, more efficient inventory management, a more streamlined route to add item images, and “new real-time support to fix any issues that come up – at Uber speed.”
“The UK has one of the world’s most sophisticated audiences when it comes to grocery delivery,” Uber Eats UK head of grocery and new verticals Alex Troughton said.
“We want to continue to invest in our world-class technology to provide them the best delivery service possible from their favourite supermarkets and local grocers,” he added.
The US version of the app will also offer consumers live order tracking, so users can “follow the shopping experience every step of the way.”
“Now as each item is scanned and added to your cart for checkout, your order is paid and, on its way, you’ll know,” Uber promotional material reads.
Uber Eats began delivering from grocery stores two years ago and has since delivered “millions of items” from retailers in 33 countries. Partners in the UK include Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Iceland.
It is understood Uber rival Deliveroo is also working on improvements to the usability of its app for groceries on both the consumer and retailer side. For both companies, grocery now makes up a significant proportion of orders delivered and is the fastest growing segment.
Click here to sign up to Grocery Gazette’s free daily email newsletter
