The latest update to Uber Eats’ app will make one thing obvious to consumers: Uber Eats wants to expand beyond delivering pizza, tacos, and noodles to also delivering flowers, pet supplies, convenience items, and unique finds from local shops.
“This is Eats entering its next chapter of maturity,” said Daniel Danker, head of product for Uber Eats. “This is Uber Eats becoming the place for instant access to local commerce.”
In addition to featuring shops of all kinds, Uber Eats is rolling out new features that provide consumers with custom home pages based on their purchase history and preferences and give them more information about local eateries, such as their ratings or whether they allow for pickup. Users will also be able to order from multiple restaurants or couple a food order with the purchase of other items and receive everything within the same delivery.
The change comes as more consumers turn to delivery services like Amazon, DoorDash, and Uber to avoid contracting the coronavirus inside restaurants and stores. As a result, businesses like Uber Eats and rival DoorDash have quickly accelerated. Meanwhile, Uber’s core ride-hailing business is still suffering as people stay home and are more hesitant to ride in another person’s car.
The update also follows Uber’s agreement to acquire rival Postmates for $2.65 billion in August. In its announcement of the deal, Uber called Postmates “an early pioneer of ‘delivery-as-a-service,’” which complements Uber’s efforts to expand its delivery service to other categories. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi also recently told CNBC’s Squawk on the Street how he views the expansion into new delivery categories.
Fortune
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