Gopuff’s SVP of North America says fast delivery is the 'modern way' people buy goods
The fast-delivery boom sent startups soaring during the pandemic, only for them to come crashing down in recent months. But Maria Renz said Gopuff is prepared to get through the slump.
“Gopuff is really well-positioned to weather through those challenges that we expect in the next year or so,” Renz told Protocol. “We're first party, we control elements of our mix, like price, very directly. And again, we have nine years of experience.”
Renz, who joined as Gopuff’s SVP of North America in April, said the company’s nearly 10 years in fast delivery has helped it understand what customers need at their doorstep in minutes, during a pandemic or not. Renz called quick delivery the “modern way” people are buying products now, and that’s been reflected in Gopuff’s sales. Monthly sales grew 391% in May 2022 compared to May 2019, according to data from Bloomberg Second Measure, and sales grew 28% year-over-year.
But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for fast delivery. Companies including Gopuff, Gorillas and Buyk have either laid off employees, left markets or closed entirely in recent months. Gopuff, which has raised $4 billion at a $15 billion valuation, was preparing to go public by mid-2022 back in December, but the company declined to confirm its current timeline when asked.