Lowe’s first home improvement chain to launch drone delivery

Lowe’s has launched a drone delivery pilot in the Charlotte, N.C., area, becoming the first home improvement retailer to offer the service for select products.

The pilot is operating from a Lowe’s store in Matthews, N.C., and allows customers to order eligible items through the DoorDash app for delivery by Wing drones. The company said some orders can be delivered in as little as 20 minutes.

The program includes a selection of home improvement and household products, such as hand tools, paint supplies, batteries, tape and cleaning products. Wing drones currently transport orders weighing about 2.5 pounds per flight.

“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,” said Seemantini Godbole, chief information and AI officer at Lowe’s.

Customers in eligible delivery areas can access the service through a dedicated “Lowe’s by Drone” storefront in the DoorDash app.

The initiative expands Lowe’s same-day fulfillment offerings, which already include buy online, pick up in store, curbside pickup and same-day delivery. The company said the pilot builds on existing drone delivery operations operated by Wing and DoorDash in the Charlotte market.

Lowe’s said the program is part of its broader effort to use technology to improve customer service and fulfillment operations.