Lowe’s launches a drone delivery service pilot in partnership with DoorDash and Alphabet’s Wing, according to multiple outlets. The retailer is testing whether small customer orders can be delivered by drone from an eligible store to select customers in a short time window.
Quartz and PYMNTS report that the pilot is based near a Lowe’s store in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Lowe’s says orders of roughly 2.5 pounds can reach eligible customers in as little as 20 minutes. PYMNTS also frames the test as a way to deliver select items directly to do-it-yourself and professional customers.
Retail Dive adds that the initial rollout covers more than 100 stock keeping units (SKUs) at the North Carolina location and could expand to other stores later, depending on results. Across the reports, Wing provides the drone delivery operations while DoorDash supports the delivery platform and fulfillment reach.
