CVS taps DoorDash for same-day delivery of groceries and non-Rx items

CVS Pharmacy has partnered with on-demand delivery provider DoorDash for same-day delivery of food, grocery, nonfood and non-prescription products.

CVS said Monday that more than 3,000 products will be available for purchase via the DoorDash website or mobile app. Items that can be ordered include non-perishable and perishable groceries such as milk, breakfast bars, mixed nuts, cereal and packaged cookies; health and beauty aids like shampoo, hair accessories, makeup and nail care; household products such as batteries, cleaning wipes and paper towels; and over-the-counter medicine like pain relievers, cold and flu care, and children’s remedies.

Currently, CVS deliveries through DoorDash are available in Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia and New York City, the Woonsocket, R.I.-based drugstore chain said. Plans call for the service to expand into the New York City boroughs of the Bronx and Brooklyn as well as the San Francisco and Boston metropolitan areas. CVS said it expects a national launch of DoorDash in July.

CVS has more than 3,000 products available for purchase via DoorDash including non-perishable and perishable groceries, health and beauty care and household goods.

DoorDash marks the third on-demand delivery partnership for CVS. The pharmacy retailer already offers same-day delivery of nonprescription items via Instacart and Shipt. CVS operates more than 1,600 CVS Pharmacy locations inside the discount stores of Target Corp., parent of Shipt.

Related:Wegmans launches meal delivery with DoorDash

“We are committed to providing our customers with convenient delivery methods that suit their lifestyle,” George Coleman, senior vice president of merchandising at CVS Health, said in a statement. “This partnership allows customers to get the non-prescription daily essentials they need, while continuing to practice social distancing.” 

San Francisco-based DoorDash said CVS represents the first pharmacy retailer for its on-demand delivery platform, which doesn’t require a delivery time slot or prescheduling for orders. All CVS orders via DoorDash will default to no-contact delivery, which allows “Dashers” — the moniker for DoorDash delivery personnel — to leave the order in a safe, secure location designated by the customer. 

In support of the partnership, DoorDash is offering 20% off (up to $5) CVS items through the app on a customer’s first order of $15 or more. Meanwhile, CVS said it also has waived fees for prescription delivery via USPS through June 30, enabling customers to have prescriptions and essential products sent to their home free while practicing social distancing.

DoorDash noted that the new partnership will give 100 million Americans same-day delivery access from a CVS store via the DoorDash app or website. Overall, CVS — part of CVS Health — has about 9,900 retail locations in 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Related:Grocery retailers waive DoorDash delivery fees for older customers

Mostly known for its food and restaurant deliveries, DoorDash extended its reach in the retail sector in April with the launch of same-day delivery service in the convenience store channel, including more than 1,800 stores of chains such as 7-Eleven, Circle K, Wawa and Casey’s General Store.

“Delivery has become a lifeline to local communities during this unprecedented time, which is why DoorDash has accelerated efforts on the heels of its convenience launch to bring vital household necessities to customers’ doorsteps,” DoorDash stated.