Local bookstore chain Exclusive Books (EB) has joined forces with Uber Eats for book orders and deliveries via the app.
As economic pressures shoot up amid the COVID-19 lockdown, local businesses have been forced to adapt and amend their business strategies to stay afloat.
For example, on-demand alcohol delivery app Quench announced its collaboration with Woolworths SA, to provide same-day delivery of groceries to customers in major centres across SA.
On the other hand, Mr D Food partnered with Checkers, to deliver prescriptions and medication to MediRite pharmacy customers.
While trade and industry minister Ebrahim Patel refused unrestricted e-commerce activity during level five of the nationwide lockdown, last week he announced e-commerce will be expanded incrementally under level four.
Since adjusting the country’s COVID-19 lockdown regulations to level four, government has allowed the sale of products like stationery and books via e-commerce providers.
This has allowed the Uber-owned ordering and delivery platform to resume its functions.
EB says book enthusiasts can order some of the best-sellers, adding that if a customer is within 5km of specific bookstores, they will be able to place a book order on the Uber Eats app during trading hours.
Customers can also use Uber Eats’s no-contact delivery, says a statement. “To help you protect yourself, your loved ones, and the community, Uber Eats encourages no-contact delivery. Select ‘leave at door’ at checkout in the app.”
Only select stores are participating at the moment but a nationwide rollout is in the pipeline, according to the bookstore chain.
The participating EB stores are:
Johannesburg: Hyde Park Corner, Sandton City, Mall of Africa and Nicolway Bryanston
Pretoria: Menlyn Park
Cape Town: Cavendish Square, Constantia Village, V&A Waterfront, Table Bay Mall and Tyger Valley
KwaZulu-Natal: Gateway and Midlands Mall
Port Elizabeth: Walmer Park
Bloemfontein: Loch Logan
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