Consumers now have the capability to tap Uber for all of their store delivery needs through Uber Connect. Understanding that the holidays are a stressful time for many, the new feature — which launched Tuesday — aims to provide the company’s customers with a fast way to get holiday gifts delivered to their door.
Notably, Uber’s timely launch is entering the market just as many consumers are scrambling to finish holiday shopping and looking for last-minute gifts. According to research from NRF, 58 percent of Americans waited until December to make holiday gift purchases this season.
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“With Store Pickup via Uber Connect, we’re taking the stress out of holiday shopping, making it easier than ever to get your gifting done and spend time with loved ones,” said Wendy Lee, director of delivery product management. “It is the perfect product for consumers who could use a little help picking up items from local stores, whether they’d like to have those items delivered to their homes, or to friends and family nearby.”
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To use the new Store Pickup feature consumers will select “store pickup” under “Uber services” within the app and then be prompted to share pickup details including the business name, address and any pickup instructions for the driver before uploading a receipt or proof of purchase and reviewing the order.
To kick off the Store Pickup launch, Uber has also created several limited-time exclusive experiences bookable in the Uber app. The offerings within Uber’s holiday bundle include products and features specifically designed to help users “go anywhere, get anywhere and celebrate with loved ones this holiday season.”
The holiday exclusives include the “Festive Fleet” in New York, Los Angeles, D.C., Miami and Chicago from Dec. 11 to 17, offering riders the chance to take themed party buses with karaoke, twinkle lights and photo props around the city. Users can also tap into the “Uber Explore Holiday Hub,” which allows consumers anywhere to check out their city’s most festive activities from light tours to holiday dinner reservations. Additionally, for Uber Eats users in Los Angeles, Miami and D.C., the app will offer a “Robot Reindeer,” a dressed-up version of the app’s robot that delivers food.
Exclusively for Uber One members, “A Very Grinchmas Drop” will begin Dec. 12 offering consumers access to a kit of products that will grow your heart three sizes: a gingerbread version of Cindy-Lou’s Who-ville house to build delicious cookies of familiar characters, a Who-inspired hot cocoa recipe and an augmented reality experience that will take you on a journey to the top of Mount Crumpit.
Finally, for those Uber users still searching for the perfect gift, the company’s limited “Gift Hub” in the Uber Eats app will allow shoppers access to celebrity-curated collections and the ability to filter, find and send gifts.
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