Uber is shutting down alcohol delivery app Drizly
Drizly, the largest online marketplace for alcohol in North America, will cease operations at the end of March 2024, according to Uber. The popular alcohol delivery service, which operated as a standalone app, will have its marketplace integrated into Uber’s established delivery app, Uber Eats.
Uber’s decision to close down Drizly is part of its strategy to consolidate its product delivery offerings within the Uber Eats platform. The move follows the sunset of another of Uber’s delivery ventures, the grocery shopping app Cornershop. However, customers can still order groceries and alcohol through Uber Eats.
Pierre Dimitri Gore-Coty, Uber’s senior vice president of delivery, emphasized that the company’s focus is on its core strategy of providing consumers with a single app for all their delivery needs. Gore-Coty expressed gratitude towards the Drizly team, acknowledging their contributions to the growth of the beverage alcohol delivery category as pioneers in the industry.
Uber’s acquisition of Drizly took place during a transitional period for the company. As the pandemic forced people to stay home, Uber’s core ridesharing business experienced losses, while its delivery services thrived. In an effort to enhance its competitiveness in the delivery sector, Uber also acquired Postmates, another prominent delivery company, for $2.65 billion shortly before purchasing Drizly.
Although Uber’s ridesharing business has shown signs of recovery in recent quarters, the company continues to view its delivery services as a significant growth opportunity. In November, Uber reported third-quarter gross bookings that exceeded the company’s own expectations.
The news of Drizly’s closure was initially reported by Axios, a reputable news source known for its in-depth and reliable reporting.
By integrating Drizly’s marketplace with Uber Eats, Uber aims to streamline its alcohol delivery services and provide a seamless experience to customers. As the company adapts to changing market trends and consumer demands, Uber remains committed to providing a comprehensive range of delivery options through its platform.
While the closure of Drizly may disappoint its loyal user base, Uber’s decision underscores its determination to consolidate its product offerings and focus on delivering an enhanced customer experience through Uber Eats.
As Uber continues to expand its presence in the delivery industry, it remains dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of consumers by facilitating quick and convenient access to various goods, including food, groceries, and now, even alcohol, all within a single app.
