In the fast-changing world of retail, same-day delivery was once a critical differentiator for businesses that wanted to stay competitive. But as we move into 2025, same-day delivery is table stakes — so much so that 96% of industry leaders in a 2024 Roadie ROI report say their companies have offered same-day services for over a year, while 63% have done so for three years or more.
Businesses must implement ultrafast delivery at scale to compete with megaretailers like Target, Walmart and Amazon. But can this be done in a way that’s cost-efficient for both the retailer and customers?
The solution for midsize retailers goes beyond traditional logistics providers. On-demand delivery platforms like Roadie can enable same-day delivery in 97% of the U.S., allowing retailers to minimize supply chain complexity and enhance competitiveness in virtually any U.S. market.
Consumers are primed to get what they want when they want it. They turn on the TV and binge an entire season of a show; they order a meal kit and need it on their doorstep by dinnertime; they need a new sofa delivered at a time that works for their busy schedules.
A recent industry analysis found that the global same-day delivery market has experienced explosive growth. It was valued at $9.90 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.6% from 2025 to 2030. This surge is driven not only by the proliferation of online shopping platforms but also by increasing consumer expectations for lightning-fast and convenient delivery options.
In 2024, a few retail giants made significant strides in expanding their same-day delivery services. Walmart introduced early-morning delivery options, allowing customers to place orders as early as 6 a.m. for delivery within the hour. Amazon, meanwhile, announced plans to expand its same-day medication delivery to nearly half of the U.S. population by the end of 2025, adding pharmacy services sites in 20 cities. Additionally, Target introduced Target 360, an unlimited, free same-day delivery service for orders above $35, delivered in as little as an hour.
There’s no reason to believe that such efforts won’t continue into 2025, and these moves by industry leaders have set new standards for delivery speed and convenience.
The rapid expansion of same-day delivery services by the Amazons of the world creates a pressing need for midsized retail chains to implement their own solutions ASAP — or risk getting left behind by their outsized competitors. Consider these statistics from midsized enterprises in the 2024 Roadie ROI report:
It’s one thing to look at the conversion rates or net new sales of similar businesses. It’s another to track your own return on investment when implementing same-day fulfillment. “If you’re not looking at all the critical metrics, then you’re missing out on quality data that helps drive revenue margin and company longevity,” Roadie Cheif of Operations Dennis Moon noted in the report.
As a business, you must conduct your internal metrics review before and after same-day implementation. Key questions when determining how you’ll measure ROI include:
Very few businesses have the resources of a Target or a Walmart. But just because you’re not a megaretailer doesn’t mean your enterprise can’t dip into the same-day fulfillment pool.
Retail chains looking to master same-day delivery quickly and efficiently can turn to alternative delivery methods, including the Roadie network of more than 200,000 independent drivers.
Here’s how Roadie can help you differentiate your business with same-day delivery:
Implementing same-day delivery is no longer a luxury for retail chains—it’s a necessity. Retailers who delay implementing same-day delivery risk falling behind in an increasingly fast-paced and customer-centric retail environment. By embracing this change and investing in robust same-day delivery solutions, you can position your operation for success in the evolving retail landscape of 2025 and beyond. The Roadie network of independent drivers spanning 29,000+ ZIP codes can help.