It looks much like any other shopping site on the Web. But Sameday does not describe itself as a retailer, although it does sell some goods through its Web site. Sameday is rolling out a network of warehouses for retail partners to use to place their goods closer to customers. It also operates a growing fleet of vans and drivers to deliver its partners' products to those customers on the day they place their orders. Orders placed as late as 2 p.m. will be delivered by 8 p.m. that evening.
Delivery is free on orders more than that.
And it plans to be in four more markets by early next year. Andy's Room, an online toy retailer, and Mrs. Beasley's, which sells cookies, cakes and other treats, are among the retailers selling on the site. Because Sameday uses a single shopping cart across all its stores, customers can pay for a cake and a DVD with just one purchase. Still, Forrester Research also found that nearly 80 percent of online shoppers surveyed said they usually choose the least expensive shipping option. In a major expansion push, Webvan recently began delivering consumer electronics, games, music and movies, as well as grocery staples like eggs, milk and bread.