Lowe’s launches drone delivery pilot program with Wing, DoorDash

Lowe's launched a pilot program to deliver select home improvement items directly to DIY and Pro customers in as fast as 20 minutes via drones from Wing.

Lowe’s said that the launch builds on Wing and DoorDash's existing drone delivery operations in the Charlotte area, adding Lowe's to the growing list of brands now available for delivery via drone.

Home improvement materials delivered via drone

As part of Lowe's mission to solve problems and fulfill dreams for the home, the retailer said that it is expanding its same-day delivery speed through drone delivery in partnership with Wing and DoorDash. The company said that the initial pilot spans a curated list of eligible products, including hand tools and paint products, plus everyday household items such as soap, tape, all-purpose cleaner and batteries - products that are easily forgotten yet critical to finishing any home improvement task.

"At Lowe's, our mission is to solve problems and fulfill dreams for the home,” said Seemantini Godbole, chief information and AI officer at Lowe's. “To achieve this mission, we're removing friction from home improvement and making it easier for customers to enjoy their home.”

Lowe’s provided the following details on how users can take part in the new program:

• Check eligibility: Open the DoorDash app. Drone delivery will automatically display as an option if the delivery address is eligible near the Matthews, N.C. Lowe's store.
• Order: Select the dedicated "Lowe's by Drone" storefront in the DoorDash app.
• Shop: Fill a cart with eligible items and check out as usual. Wing drones currently transport orders weighing approximately 2.5 pounds per flight, delivering fast last-minute supplies to your home in minutes.

“Any technology we implement is designed to eliminate that friction so our customers can complete their projects quickly,” Godbole added. “By piloting drone delivery, we're addressing a real project pain point with an innovative solution that is integrated into the retail journey, giving our hometown customers next-generation fulfillment right when they need it."

Lowe's said that its drone delivery pilot builds on the company's broader efforts to use technology in ways that transform how customers shop, and how Lowe's associates sell and work.