eBay buys Shutl to boost sameday deliveries in UK

The company said: "Following closely from the announcement of our Click & Collect trial with Argos and our intention to expand eBay Now (local delivery) into London, the accquistion of Shutl shows we’re making great strides to bring together local retail and delivery options for our UK customers.”

Last October, eBay introduced eBay Now, a service available through iPhone, Android and desktop web that allows shoppers to have products from local stores, delivered in as little as an hour.

eBay Now is one element in a larger strategy to advance eBay’s capabilities in local commerce, and help retailers take advantage of technology to reach more customers and increase sales.

The company added: "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 $10 trillion total commerce market."

Shutl founder & CEO Tom Allason said: "E-commerce is quick and convenient, two things that delivery is not. Together with eBay, we believe that we can transform this market and fulfil our mission.

"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."