Ebay announces acquisition of Shutl
Ebay has today announced its acquisition of e-commerce delivery service Shutl, as the company looks to expand its local delivery capabilities.
Tom Allason, CEO and founder, said of the move: “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. eBay’s bold vision to redefine local commerce is one that fits perfectly with what we have set out to achieve at Shutl.”
The commerce company announced the move today, as it revealed a series of changes to its site, including the expansion of eBay Now to cover 25 markets by the end of 2014, with the service to be introduced in London in early 2014.
“The world is changing, with the lines between online and offline commerce blurring and the expectations of buyers and sellers rising rapidly,” said Devin Wenig, president of eBay Marketplaces. “With eBay’s latest steps, we are bringing together the best of what people need from a shopping experience – speed and convenience – with things people love about shopping, like discovery and inspiration.
“Today, approximately 75 percent 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 $10trn total commerce market.”
Shutl will continue to serve its retail partners in the UK and the US.