Popular retailer makes major change to online delivery service but not every customer will benefit
A MAJOR retailer is offering a new method of online delivery, but only certain shoppers will be able to enjoy the perks of the quicker option.
Drone delivery is one of the newest tech-forward services stores are offering as they aim to provide more convenience to their customers.
GNC has joined the bandwagon, as it launches the service in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The retailer, which offers health and nutrition products, is now making it even easier for shoppers to receive their vitamins and supplements at home.
The store has partnered with Zipline, allowing all customers who qualify and pre-register their addresses to opt for drone delivery within the city.
“Partnering with Zipline is propelling GNC to the cutting edge in the retail category,” said Alan Chester, Chief Supply Chain Officer of GNC in a statement, as reported by RIS News.
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“Drone delivery is an innovative way to make our fulfillment, distribution, and delivery processes more efficient, more effective, and faster, ultimately benefiting our consumers. We're excited for this initial test in one U.S. market while considering domestic expansion.”
Through the partnership, Zipline’s smaller fleet of aircrafts will drop deliveries to homes via parachute.
That’s just the start of what’s to come at GNC, however.
By 2024, the store will be able to implement Zipline’s Platform 2 system, which offers urban delivery as well.
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“Zipline is faster, more convenient and better for the environment than traditional automotive delivery. We provide the best delivery experience not on earth for consumers and businesses of any size and industry,” said Irene Scher, senior vice president of U.S. go-to-market at Zipline, in a statement as reported by Drug Store News.
“We’re excited for GNC customers to use Zipline to achieve their wellness goals in a far more convenient way than before.”
GNC currently operates more than 3,000 stores all throughout the United States and Canada.
A LARGER TREND OF DRONE DELIVERY
GNC is one of many retailers experimenting with drone delivery in an effort to streamline ordering processes for customers, who increasingly rely on online shopping to make their purchases.
Retail drones are expected to increase from nearly 35,000 in 2022 to just over 110,000 in 2024, a recent eMarketer report found.
Walmart and Amazon are two of the major companies leading the initiative
Last year, Walmart said it completed more than 6,000 successful drone deliveries.
Each drone order takes only 30 minutes or less to process and deliver.
While all deliveries must be within 0.8 miles of a participating location, the service has made delivery far more efficient than previous options.
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So far, Walmart offers the $3.99 delivery service at 36 locations.
Meanwhile, Amazon adopted drone technology in 2022, and Kroger is also looking to add the option to its grocery delivery service.
Target is also implementing some store changes that will offer greater convenience to shoppers.
Plus, see the five new changes coming to Walmart stores this summer.