Technology/Services

Pennsylvania Convenience Stores Can Offer Alcohol Delivery Through Vroom

Delivery software company partners with Uber Direct to provide on-demand orders
Vroom, Uber
Photograph: Shutterstock

Convenience-store retailers in Pennsylvania will now be able to offer alcohol delivery via apps and online through Vroom Delivery’s first-party ordering software, with orders delivered by Uber Direct, Uber’s on-demand delivery-as-a-service platform.

Several pilot stores launched the joint program in Pennsylvania in September, and more than 200 additional stores across the state are set to launch within the next two months. Together, these stores will cover a large portion of the state. 

“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. We are excited to see what this can do to boost the online sales and customer base for our partner retailers not only in the alcohol category, but also to their food service offerings as this becomes an increasingly important part of the industry.”

In addition to alcohol, retailers will be able to offer everything in the store, utilizing Vroom Delivery’s Automated Menu Management (AMM) system that automatically lists all inventory that is in-stock within the physical store without any manual menu maintenance by the retailer. This allows for large, accurate menus with thousands of SKUs as well as the same deals and offers that are available in-store. 

Stores will also be able to utilize loyalty programs online for customers that are already enrolled, and new customers may elect to sign up when placing an order.

Orders must adhere to all state requirements, Vroom said. For example, there are regulatory limits on the volume of beer and wine that can be placed in a single order that must be enforced by the online ordering platform, Vroom Delivery. Couriers delivering via Uber Direct are also required to attain physical or digital permits to deliver alcohol.

“Helping retailers meet their customers’ expectations and grow their businesses through their own channels is at the heart of what Uber Direct offers," said Bernie Huddlestun, general manager of Uber Direct for the U.S. and Canada. "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.”

Vroom Delivery, based in Miami, is a full-stack digital commerce solution for convenience stores, providing technical aspects required for convenience-store chains to operate, automate and manage e-commerce and delivery services.

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