Flash is kickstarting a trial with Uber Direct to help convenience retailers speed up deliveries.
The home delivery platform, owned by former independent retailer Leon Whittaker, will pilot the white-label delivery service with a Premier store in Leeds, starting next month.
It means the retailer’s customers can continue to shop online via the Flash app, but some deliveries will be handled by Uber riders.
Whittaker said the additional courier service would allow the retailer to carry out more deliveries using their own Flash-branded cars during busy periods.
“We are always looking for new ways to help retailers,” Whittaker told The Grocer. “I don’t think Uber replacing store drivers is the future, but a way to help them in peak times.
“They can still have their own branded cars on the road, then use Uber Direct as a back-up when it gets busy.”
Flash, which initially launched with Premier Smiley’s One Stop Shop in Blackpool in 2023, now has 168 stores on board.
It was developed into a franchise operation to serve other retailers after Whittaker and his father Justin initially launched a home delivery service from their Premier store in Royton, called ‘MJs, groceries in a flash’, eight years ago.
Alongside Flash, home delivery app Snappy Shopper has also partnered with Uber Direct to help retailers connect with Uber riders.
Retailers have also adopted the white-label service in order to leverage Uber’s delivery network, including Tesco’s Whoosh. Co-op also uses the courier service for orders taken from its website as well as its new rapid delivery grocery app, Peckish, aimed at independent convenience stores.
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