Uber to offer D.C. residents a shopping service for a limited time

WASHINGTON — Beginning Aug. 19, taxi app company Uber will offer a drug store shopping service for a limited time in a limited area to Washington, D.C., residents. 

 

"No need to race to the store after a long day at the office — now you can request allergy medicine, diapers, toothpaste and over 100 other items through the Uber app. This limited-time-only experiment will run for a few weeks – but the more you love it, the more likely it will last," the company stated in a blog Tuesday. "[Uber] Corner Store will be available Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.  to a select number of Uber DC riders within a limited area. We’re working to build supply, and will be sure to update you as we extend hours of operation to cover late night and weekend requests!"

 

The shopping list comprises approximately 100 items, ranging from that allergy product and other OTC remedies to grooming items. After toggling to the "Corner Store" option in the Uber app and requesting a driver, Uber sends a text message with a link to a list of items available for purchase. An Uber driver then calls to take the order, and upon delivery, the purchase is charged to the customer's Uber account.

 

"Because Corner Store is an experiment, we’re rolling it out to a limited number of Uber DC riders in select areas," Uber noted.