Uber Expands, Rebrands Delivery Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Just months after piloting the program here, Uber has expanded and rebranded its delivery service. 

On Aug. 19, Uber launched Uber Corner Store in Washington, D.C., as a limited-time experiment to bring more than 100 products traditionally found in a convenience store — like candy and snacks, and pain relievers — directly to consumers.

Now called uberESSENTIALS, the program that says it can deliver items in 10 minutes or less has expanded its list of products to include "holiday essentials," such as batteries, Hanukkah candles, scotch tape, wrapping paper and celebration mini lights, VatorNews reported.

Even with the expanded product list, though, Uber is still calling the service a limited-time experiment available only in Washington, D.C.

"We're always experimenting and finding new, creative ways to leverage the Uber app to provide even greater value to our riders and driver partners," an Uber spokesperson told VatorNews. "From fresh lunches to flu prevention to your everyday items, we routinely hear from users excited about the latest offering on the Uber platform, and we look forward to continuing to innovate and meet that growing demand."

According to an uberESSENTIALS blog post, users select and confirm their delivery address and then toggle over to ESSENTIALS in the Uber app and add products to their carts. After users check out and place their order, a driver will notify them upon arrival.

The service is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and Sunday.