Dive Brief:
- Clipper Petroleum has partnered with Lula Commerce to support its recently launched e-commerce business, which includes local delivery and pickup, according to a Tuesday announcement.
- Customers can order through major online ordering platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub, with Lula’s technology helping Clipper manage third-party relationships, order accounting and other tasks.
- As shoppers’ expectations increasingly encompass amenities like delivery and pickup, small operators like Clipper are turning to third-party firms that can help manage their digital business without requiring additional labor.
Dive Insight:
Lula handles the digital commerce operations for Clipper, streamlining tasks like engaging with delivery services, digital order accounting and reconciliation, IT and strategy, allowing store staff to focus on the in-store operations, according to the announcement.
Clipper, which has served over 5,000 digital customers through the partnership since it first began in February, is continually investing in t delivery across its network, Adit Gupta,co-founder and CEO of Lula Commerce, said in an email. About 80% of Clipper’s stores offer the service, with more coming this quarter.
"Over the past few months, we've seen significant incremental demand from new customers who have discovered Clipper through digital channels," Gupta said in the announcement.
The retailer has been pleased with results so far. “We tried [third-party delivery] early on. We did not have the success that we are enjoying today,” said Tony Legg, director of operational compliance and programs for Clipper.
Flowery Branch, Georgia-based Clipper Petroleum, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, operates 23 convenience stores and six quick-service restaurants in Georgia and South Carolina, in addition to supplying fuel to over 300 dealer partner accounts in the Southeast.
