National Retail Solutions (NRS), operator of the leading point-of-sale (POS) platform for independent convenience stores, bodegas, tiendas and other neighborhood retailers, today announced a partnership with Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER).
As a part of the partnership, NRS’s nationwide network of participating independent retailers will be able to offer same-day delivery to their customers by utilizing Uber Direct. Uber Direct allows businesses to seamlessly own the customer experience end-to-end and handle on-demand delivery orders. NRS’ POS network for independent retailers in the U.S. comprises over 20,000 active POS terminals operating in over 17,000 stores. Deliveries will be provided at no cost to the NRS retailer when the purchases are made through the BR Club app.
Independent, neighborhood merchants often operate at a disadvantage to larger competitors because of a lack of scale and resources. More recently, new entrants in the rapid grocery and convenience delivery space have specifically targeted the customers served by these neighborhood retailers putting further pressure on the independent stores. NRS and Uber are working together to address this threat and help independent community businesses succeed by enabling same-day delivery that leverages the synergies of the NRS and Uber platforms and capabilities.
“NRS was built specifically to empower independent retailers in urban and underserved neighborhoods and communities all across America,” said Elie Y. Katz, President and Chief Executive Officer of NRS. “The NRS POS platform supports our retailers nationwide, providing them with powerful transaction processing and store management tools, security features, payment processing, and digital marketing services that enable them to compete more effectively. Our partnership with Uber combines the power of our two companies’ platforms to enable same-day delivery of purchases made via our e-commerce channels from these retailers. Uber has been exceptional in working with us to help strengthen independent neighborhood stores and the communities they serve.”
“Since its inception, Uber has striven to make inroads providing accessibility and opportunity to underserved markets,” said Jason McHale, Uber Direct Managing Partner. “Our partnership with NRS will give small, local bodegas and grocery stores an opportunity to expand their reach through delivery and make more money, which is something we all should be excited about.”
“Bodegas and other small neighborhood stores are the backbone of every New York City community,” said New York City Council Member Julie Menin, Chair of the New York City Small Business Committee. “The influx of rapid grocery delivery companies over the last couple of years has put a strain on these retailers and threatened our small businesses. Uber’s partnership with NRS can provide relief by helping update critical technological systems and offering delivery that is free for the merchant.”
“When we help our small businesses grow and thrive in their communities, our whole city thrives,” said New York City Council Member Marjorie Velazquez. “I am proud to support this partnership between NRS and Uber, which will provide delivery services with no charge to participating bodegas. Not only will this help them compete in the growing market of grocery delivery, but also bridge the food security gap. So many rely on delivery services for their daily needs, and this is how we will support our communities.”
