Looks like Uber may soon broaden its focus. The company will still carry people, of course, but could be carrying packages before long.
Express delivery from retailers handled by Uber? That’s the plan that’s been in testing for about a year.
“The popular ride-hailing service is planning a partnership announcement this fall with big retailers and fashion brands that could number in the dozens, as it looks to make Uber an express delivery option for shoppers on a wide range of shopping websites and apps, according to three sources,” reports Recode. “Uber could announce the partnerships as soon as late September or early October.”
Word is the kickoff could be in New York City, working with several luxury brands with flagship stores in Manhattan. Partnerships with retailers in San Francisco will also be announced soon, according to a Recode source.
“In an effort to increase its number of partners, Uber has also been in talks with software companies like Bigcommerce and Shopify, which help small businesses set up online storefronts,” notes Recode. “Uber’s thinking, according to sources, is that by integrating with these software companies, it can make its delivery option available to a large number of small brick-and-mortar stores — potentially thousands in San Francisco and New York alone — without having to integrate with each and every one.”
This plan follows other recent Uber forays into transportation-related sidelines, including its UberRush messenger and UberEats meal delivery services, launched in a handful of American cities.
A popular ride-sharing service, Uber may not be content to just elbow in on taxi companies. FedEx and UPS: watch your backs.
