Observed Signal · Sep 16, 2026 · Partnership · Source: CNBC Technology · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Costco and Uber Expand Grocery Delivery to 47 States
Costco has expanded its U.S. grocery delivery partnerships with Uber and DoorDash, significantly broadening its same-day delivery reach. The Uber Eats partnership now covers nearly 600 U.S. locations across 47 states, up from 17, requiring membership verification. Concurrently, Costco has joined DoorDash's marketplace, offering delivery from about 630 locations in 47 states and Washington, D.C. Uber provides benefits like Uber One discounts, while DoorDash offers scheduled delivery. These moves aim to scale Costco's e-commerce, with same-day delivery growing faster than its overall digital business. Instacart remains a key longstanding partner, with recent expansions in Europe, intensifying competition among delivery platforms.
The expansion of a major retailer's delivery partnership with a large platform signals growth in retail media and delivery commerce, but it is not a disruptive industry-shifting event.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Costco and Uber expanded their Uber Eats partnership from 17 to 47 states, covering nearly 600 U.S. locations.
- Costco joined DoorDash's marketplace, offering delivery from approximately 630 locations across 47 states and Washington, D.C.
- Both Uber and DoorDash partnerships provide same-day delivery, with DoorDash also offering scheduled delivery.
- Uber offers benefits like Uber One membership savings and discounted gift cards; Costco members must verify membership on Uber Eats.
- Costco's same-day delivery is growing faster than its overall digital business, and Instacart remains a key partner with recent European expansions.
Connected Companies & Entities
6 Entities mapped“Uber and Costco expanded their U.S. Uber Eats partnership to 47 states from availability in 17 states.”
“Uber and Costco expanded their U.S. Uber Eats partnership to 47 states.”
“longtime competitors like Instacart, DoorDash, and Amazon Fresh”
“longtime competitors like Instacart, DoorDash, and Amazon Fresh”
“longtime competitors like Instacart, DoorDash, and Amazon Fresh”
“Walmart has also made attempts to move further into the delivery space.”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Costco Digital Sales Hit $33B, Up 20%
Costco reported that digitally-enabled sales, including third-party delivery, surpassed $33 billion in fiscal 2026, growing over 20%. The company expanded partnerships with DoorDash and Uber Eats for nationwide U.S. delivery, complementing its long-standing Instacart relationship. CEO Ron Vachris noted these channels drive incremental sales and attract younger members, with members under 40 growing 60% since Covid and now representing over 25% of the base. Costco's total net sales reached $297.2 billion, up 10% year-over-year, with pharmacy growing 20% due to digital capabilities. Delivery partners require membership verification at checkout, reinforcing the membership model.
Amazon ditches Grubhub, taps Uber Eats for Prime
Amazon has announced that Uber Eats will become the official restaurant delivery partner for Prime members in the United States, replacing Grubhub. The new partnership, announced Thursday, allows Prime members to order food from Uber Eats directly through Amazon.com and the Amazon Shopping app without needing an Uber account. They will also benefit from free delivery on orders over $25. Amazon's commercial agreement with Grubhub, which gave Prime members access to Grubhub+, ended the same day. Prime members who already activated Grubhub+ can continue using it until December 31, 2027. The move deepens Amazon's extensive existing relationship with Uber, which includes cloud computing, Zoox robotaxis, and integration with Alexa+. To promote the new service, Amazon and Uber are offering Prime members $20 off their first two orders of $25 or more during the first two weeks. Amazon's previous equity stake in Grubhub through warrants was cashed out in December 2024.
Uber Eats Unveils AI Assistant for Grocery Shopping
Uber Eats has launched an AI-powered cart assistant that helps customers build grocery shopping carts using text or images — including handwritten lists. The feature is available through dozens of large retailers, including Safeway, Albertsons and Kroger, and it accounts for user item preferences and store availability while allowing users to edit selections. Uber framed the assistant as a practical, user-focused AI feature. The move follows broader AI rollouts across Uber’s platform (including prior AI tools for restaurants) and is part of more aggressive grocery-delivery expansions by Uber and rivals such as DoorDash. Uber noted recent partner additions like Aldi and FreshDirect, and reported gross bookings in its delivery business rose 26% year-over-year to $25.4 billion in the fourth quarter. The launch aligns with similar AI initiatives from Instacart, Amazon and Walmart in retail.
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