News Analysis
Target recently announced it would acquire last-mile delivery startup Deliv’s technology platform. We take a look at what this means for Target and for last-mile competition among consumables retailers at large.
On May 7, retailer Target announced it would buy last-mile delivery startup Deliv’s technology assets. Deliv offers a crowd-sourced delivery service, and in particular pools orders going to similar areas to cut costs. The company has established partnerships with retailers including Best Buy, Walgreens, and Macy’s.
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The cost of the acquisition was not disclosed, and the deal is expected to close in about a month. Some Deliv employees, including CEO Daphne Carmeli, are expected to join Target as well.
Below, we take a look at the Deliv deal to understand why Target’s move matters.
3 big takeaways
The coronavirus pandemic has made efficient last-mile fulfillment more vital than ever
- Last-mile fulfillment capabilities have become a central focus during the Covid-19 crisis. As consumers stay away from stores — and retailers deal with the challenges of fulfilling more orders — on-demand delivery is becoming an increasingly essential part of a retailer’s skillset.