Shipt

Shipt is a membership-based marketplace that provides same-day delivery of groceries, home products, and electronics from various retailers. Founded in 2014 by Bill Smith in Birmingham, Alabama, the company was established to offer a convenient shopping solution for busy individuals and families. The service operates through a mobile application and website where customers can browse and order items from local stores.

The business model is primarily subscription-based, with users paying a membership fee for unlimited deliveries on orders over a certain amount. A pay-per-order option is also available for non-members. Shipt serves customers across the United States, partnering with major national and regional retailers like Target, Meijer, H-E-B, and Costco. In December 2017, Target Corporation acquired Shipt for $550 million in cash, a significant milestone that allowed the company to expand its reach and integrate its services with Target's retail operations. Despite the acquisition, Shipt continues to operate as an independent subsidiary, maintaining its own brand and partnerships with other retailers.

Shipt's platform connects customers with a network of personal shoppers who are responsible for picking, packing, and delivering the orders. This gig-economy model provides flexible work opportunities for its shoppers. The company has expanded its offerings beyond groceries to include products from categories like electronics, wellness, and home goods. Kamau Witherspoon was appointed as the company's CEO in 2022.

Keywords: same-day delivery, grocery delivery, personal shopping, retail logistics, e-commerce, membership service, gig economy, on-demand delivery, online marketplace, last-mile delivery