Ebay acquires Shutl same-day delivery service
Ebay has acquired Shutl, the same-hour, same-day e-commerce delivery specialist, as it looks to expand its local delivery capabilities.
The move follows the launch of Ebay Now last October which allows shoppers to have products from local stores delivered direct to their door in as little as an hour.
Making the announcement in the US yesterday, Ebay president Devin Wenig said: “Today, approximately 75% of what people buy is local, found within 15 miles from their home. Traditional retail isn’t going away. But it is transforming, and that creates enormous opportunity within the $10 trillion total commerce market.”
Wenig added that Ebay Now is one element in Ebay’s larger strategy to advance its capabilities in local commerce, and to help retailers take advantage of technology to reach more customers and increase sales. The online marketplace is planning to expand the Ebay Now service to 25 markets by the end of 2014, including major cities in North America, including Chicago today and Dallas later this year, and select international markets, including London in early 2014.
Founded in the UK four years ago by chief executive Tom Allason, Shutl’s UK customers include the likes of Argos, Oasis, Jewson, Maplin and Karen Millen. In February, the company announced its expansion into the US after securing investment of $6 million to help fund the growth plans.
Commenting on the acquisition by Ebay, Allason said: “I have the utmost appreciation for the Ebay team and am excited and honoured for Shutl to be a part of their plans, starting today in Chicago.
“Shutl will continue to serve our retail partners in the UK and the US. We will be speeding up our national and international roll-outs and increasing our investment in new product development. In short, we will be working harder than ever to make our service faster, better and more accessible for consumers around the world.”
*Tom Allason will be speaking at the Retail Bulletin’s 5th Omnichannel Retailing Summit in London, 5th February 2014. Register now to secure your place.
