Dive Brief:
- Vroom Delivery’s e-commerce solution is now fully integrated with PDI Technologies’ convenience retail technology platform, the companies announced on Monday.
- The final list of tools includes online pricebook maintenance, automated menus and inventories, online loyalty integration, automated ring-ups and reconciliation, online coupons and rebates, age and identity verification, and the ability to accept SNAP/EBT payments digitally.
- The combined ordering system is available at hundreds of c-stores, including Wesco and Weigel's locations. Other companies using both technologies are still rolling out pieces of the integration.
Dive Insight:
With customers shopping online now more than ever, offering in-store perks through digital channels can provide a consistent experience. It can also boost sales. For example, Wesco has surpassed $3 million in annual sales through Vroom this year and is growing by 40% per year, according to the announcement.
Additionally, automation tools can take some of the load off store employees. Retailers can automatically push changes in inventory, price, SNAP eligibility and more from PDI’s ecosystem to all e-commerce channels. The inventories are store-specific, leading to low refund rates for items that are out of stock. Orders go into the back office system and are billed without workers needing to take any additional steps.
Meanwhile, customers can order age-restricted items, use SNAP benefits where applicable and take advantage of coupons, loyalty promotions and more easily through apps and websites.
“Integrations are designed to expand functionality and improve operations,” said Mike Melson, senior vice president and general manager of payments and loyalty for PDI. “The ability to publish product offerings online to a new audience of consumers helps c-store retailers grow their reach, while consumers benefit from a seamless experience whether they’re purchasing in-store or online.”
PDI has recently evolved its platform by acquiring other companies and expanding the features in its existing offering. In April PDI added a live fuel pricing feed, custom sustainability recommendations and unlimited access to its education platform, PDI University. In the past year and a half, it has also bolted on c-store technology company Skupos, partnered with Car IQ to add vehicle-recognition-based fuel payments and integrated with order management company Otter.
The partnership between PDI and Vroom was first announced in 2020.
