Dive Brief:

• Chico's FAS has partnered with delivery platform Roadie to bring same-day delivery service to its White House Black Market, Soma and Chico's stores in the U.S., the company announced on Tuesday.

• The service is now available at 97% of the company's locations. Shoppers can order intimates, pajamas, apparel, shoes and other items and request four-hour, same-day delivery.

• The service is the latest in a series of investments Chico's has made regarding a digital transformation, according to the company.

Dive Insight:

Even when shipping deadlines for holiday purchases have passed, Chico's FAS wants to offer customers convenient options while shopping for themselves or their loved ones, Molly Langenstein, president and CEO of Chico's FAS, said in a statement. 

As Chico's launches same-day delivery, other retailers have introduced similar services using third-party platforms like Instacart, Shipt, DoorDash and even their in-store workforce. A lengthy list of retailers that have introduced same-day delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic includes Belk, Best Buy, PetSmart, Bed Bath & Beyond, Michaels and Sam's Club.

Research from Narvar suggests that consumers are seeing noticeable shipping delays with little warning from retailers. Per a recent report from Narvar shared with Retail Dive, more than a third of survey respondents said they experienced substantial delays, but only 19% were well-informed by retailers. With the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the shift toward e-commerce, the transition has revealed the obstacles in keeping up with digital shoppers' demands.