Delivery platforms aimed to encourage users to conduct their last-minute shopping for decor, cooking, and gifts through their apps this month. Services like DoorDash, UberEats, Instacart, and Shipt expanded beyond food delivery by partnering with retailers, setting the stage for extensive growth strategies. This holiday season, platforms offered hefty discounts, with UberEats promoting deals up to 40% off on decor and stocking stuffers from retailers like Target. Instacart launched its “‘Tis a Big Deal Week” campaign, featuring discounts up to 40% from various retailers until December 23rd. Shipt, owned by Target, positioned itself as the go-to for last-minute gifts and essentials until December 24th, unveiling its “Season of Savings” campaign earlier in the month. These promotions saw surges in order volumes, with searches for “decor,” “gifts,” and “wrapping paper” spiking. Membership promotions were also emphasized, with Instacart and Shipt offering significant discounts on annual memberships. Gopuff, focusing on grocery and convenience items, offered discounted memberships and product sales, resulting in substantial year-over-year sales increases. Analysts note that the convenience of instant delivery for last-minute shopping is likely here to stay, reflecting a shift in consumer behaviour shaped by the pandemic.

Read more from Modernretail