Digital Disruptors: The Global Competitive Landscape of Last Mile Delivery Platforms

Key Findings

Online goods delivery platforms have proliferated in recent years

In efforts to match or exceed the reliable and rapid delivery offered by retailers such as Alibaba and Amazon, retailers in many markets have raced to develop fast, hyperlocal delivery options for consumers, particularly in urban markets. Online goods delivery platforms have gained popularity with retailers looking for solutions to the costs and time requirements to offer rapid delivery, and with consumers seeking convenience.

COVID-19 drives adoption of platforms

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led many consumers to turn to last mile delivery services for the first time, as a way to access goods without the risks associated with going to stores. This has caused sales through these platforms to grow, but has also renewed questions about the treatment of last mile delivery workers.

Goods delivery platforms are locally focused, with diverse business models

At present, no online goods delivery platform has achieved global reach, and few have presence in more than just one or two countries. These platforms have also pursued a range of revenue streams, including charging fees for membership and/or orders to consumers and retailers, selling insights and ad space to brands, and in some cases, opening their own stores and warehouses.

Retailers to see the most disruption from online goods delivery platforms

Goods delivery platforms that become profitable – and those that do not, before bankruptcy – have the potential to be very disruptive to retailers. While many retailers have embraced online goods delivery platforms as a low-cost way to offer rapid delivery to their shoppers, retailers are risking reducing or losing the relationships they have with shoppers – and the insights and loyalty these relationships generate – to the online goods delivery platforms. This will be particularly acute in markets with the highest levels of adoption of online goods delivery platforms.