Vroom and PDI add several new features
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Diving certificate:
- Vroom Delivery’s e-commerce solution is now fully integrated into PDI Technologies’ convenience retail technology platform, the companies announced Monday.
- The final list of tools includes online price book maintenance, automated menus and inventory, online loyalty program integration, automated billing and reconciliation, online coupons and discounts, age and identity verification, and the ability to digitally accept SNAP/EBT payments.
- The combined ordering system is available in hundreds of c-stores, including Wesco and Weigel. Other companies that use both technologies are still in the process of introducing parts of the integration.
Diving insight:
With customers shopping online more than ever, offering in-store benefits through digital channels can create a consistent shopping experience. It can also increase sales. For example, Wesco generated over $3 million in annual sales through Vroom this year and is growing 40% annually, according to the announcement.
Additionally, automation tools can reduce the burden on store associates. Retailers can automatically push changes in inventory, price, SNAP eligibility, and more from the PDI ecosystem to all e-commerce channels. Inventory is store-specific, resulting in low refund rates for out-of-stock items. Orders go into the back-office system and are settled without associates having to take any additional steps.
At the same time, customers can easily order age-restricted items, use SNAP benefits, and benefit from coupons, loyalty promotions and much more via apps and websites.
“Integrations are designed to extend functionality and improve operations,” said Mike Melson, senior vice president and general manager of payments and loyalty programs at PDI. “The ability to bring product offerings online to new consumer audiences helps high-street retailers expand their reach, while consumers benefit from a seamless experience whether they’re shopping in-store or online.”
PDI has recently evolved its platform by acquiring other companies and expanding the features of its existing offering. In April, PDI added a live feed of fuel prices, customized sustainability recommendations, and unlimited access to its educational platform PDI University. In the last year and a half, the company has also added c-store technology company Skupos, partnered with Car IQ to add vehicle detection-based fuel payments, and integrated with order management company Otter.
The partnership between PDI and Vroom was first announced in 2020.
