Vroom Delivery has partnered with Uber to enable alcohol delivery for its convenience retailers in Pennsylvania “via Uber’s on-demand delivery-as-a-service platform, Uber Direct,” according to a press release. With the partnership, retailers will be able to offer alcohol delivery on their apps and websites to consumers through Vroom Delivery’s first-party ordering software, with orders delivered by Uber couriers.
According to Vroom Delivery, several pilot stores launched the joint program in Pennsylvania in September, and over 200 additional stores across the state are set to launch within the next two months. Stores will also be able to use their loyalty programs online for customers that are already enrolled, and new customers may elect to sign up when placing an order.
Vroom Delivery noted that orders must adhere to all state requirements, such as the regulatory limits on the volume of beer and wine that can be placed in a single order. Couriers delivering via Uber Direct are also required to attain physical or digital permits to deliver alcohol.
"Research shows 75% of consumers expect express delivery as an option. By working with Vroom Delivery to help make alcohol delivery possible for Pennsylvania retailers in a seamless way, we look forward to helping local businesses meet their customers’ expectations and continue to grow," said Bernie Huddlestun, general manager of Uber Direct for the United States and Canada.
“Before we launched this partnership with Uber, Pennsylvania retailers who wanted to offer online ordering of alcohol had to work through the intricacies of state regulations alongside a compliant courier service in what was a cumbersome and time-consuming process,” said John Nelson, CEO of Vroom Delivery. “We have now made this process generalizable so that any retailer on Vroom Delivery that sells alcohol in-store can now do so online in a compliant manner.”
In July, c-stores in Pennsylvania gained the ability to sell RTD cocktails. The same month, Sheetz announced that it is offering beer delivery through a partnership with DoorDash.