Out of toilet paper, razors, or body wash? Uber can help you out. The app-based car service on Tuesday launched a new service that you can think of as your local corner store — on wheels.
"Now you can request allergy medicine, diapers, toothpaste and over 100 other items through the Uber app," the company announced. "This limited-time-only experiment will run for a few weeks – but the more you love it, the more likely it will last."
At this point, the service, dubbed Uber Corner Store, is only available to a limited number of Uber riders in the Washington, D.C. area.
Ordering is super simple. Just toggle the Corner Store option, set your delivery location within the coverage area, and confirm your address. If a driver is available, you'll get a text message with a link to the items available for purchase.
As with Uber rides, you won't need to whip out your credit card when ordering with Corner Store — all purchases will be charged right to your Uber account.
The service will up against similar services from Web giants like Google and Amazon; check out the slideshow above for some of the same-day, Web-based delivery services available around the country.
Meanwhile, Uber also on Tuesday announced it has hired former Obama adviser David Plouffe as its new Senior Vice President of Policy and Strategy. Plouffe, best known for running Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, will be managing all global policy and political activities for the company.
"I've watched as the taxi industry cartel has tried to stand in the way of technology and big change," Plouffe said in a statement. "Ultimately, that approach is unwinnable. But I look forward to doing what I can right now to ensure drivers and riders are not denied their opportunity for choice in transportation due to those who want to maintain a monopoly and play the inside game to deny opportunity to those on the outside."
Also on the ride-sharing front, Lyft is reportedly in search of a new COO. According to Re/code, citing sources close to the situation, COO Travis VanderZanden has left the company following a spat with its founders. VanderZanden came to Lyft last February after it bought his company Cherry, an on-demand car-wash service.