Mercatus Taps DoorDash for Grocery Meal Delivery

Mercatus has partnered with DoorDash to expand its last-mile delivery capabilities for retailers, which company officials say will empower retailers to deliver not only core items but also hot and fresh meals to go, snacks and catering for larger groups, alcohol and retail goods.

Positioned as a turnkey solution for reliable last-mile delivery, the new Mercatus/DoorDash alliance imparts what Sylvain Perrier, president and CEO of Toronto-based Mercatus, said is an especially important benefit for retailers, which is the ability to enable them to maintain control of their own branding throughout the customer buying process. After orders are processed and paid for on the Mercatus platform, “DoorDash Drive will receive order details and dispatch an independent contractor to complete delivery,” Perrier said.

The delivery experience—which he said can be completed in less than an hour from when the order is placed—"occurs under the retailer’s brand to create a consistent purchasing experience for shoppers. Further, Mercatus-equipped retailers “will be able to offer reliable delivery without investing human and technology resources toward implementing their own infrastructure,” said Perrier.  Another benefit of the seamless experience across a retailer’s digital properties, he said, will also allow for greater access to customer data and improved shopper loyalty.

Related:Mercatus Dispatch Offers Last-Mile Fulfillment Via Delivery Partners

“Both Mercatus and DoorDash have recognized the power that effective off-premise offerings can give grocers in competing for new customers and continuing to excite and retain existing shoppers,” said Casey North, head of DoorDash Drive. “We look forward to continuing to drive innovation for our shared clients.”

As shopper expectations continue to evolve, retailers are increasingly “seeking new ways to expand their offerings and create a diversified shopping experience,” Perrier said. With DoorDash now on board the Mercatus Dispatch network, “our retailers will be able to offer new opportunities for delivery of bulk items, alcohol and especially the rapidly growing market of hot and fresh meals,” he said.