SoftBank-backed DoorDash enters Japan
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U.S. food delivery firm DoorDash, which is backed by SoftBank Group, announced the launch of services in Japan on Wednesday, joining an increasingly crowded market that has grown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Services will be initially limited to the city of Sendai in Miyagi prefecture, the money-losing delivery firm told reporters, in a step that follows its expansion to Canada and Australia.
“Our strategy has always been to empower local economies, especially in the suburban markets that are historically underserved, yet the appetite for connectivity between merchants and customers is high,” Chief Executive Tony Xu said in a statement.
SoftBank already backs some of the largest delivery services in Japan, such as Uber Eats from Uber Technologies and Demae-can.
Last month, DoorDash raised its forecast for annual gross order value, as stimulus checks helped keep food delivery demand resilient in the first quarter, even as vaccinations and an easing of curbs encouraged dining out again.
DoorDash, which has also branched out into delivery from grocery and convenience stores last year, reported a nearly three-fold jump in quarterly revenue to $1.08 billion.
The company has seen a surge in order volumes during the pandemic as consumers hesitant to step out order essential items by telephone.
Questions & Answers
Q.Where will DoorDash initially launch its services in Japan?
Where will DoorDash initially launch its services in Japan?
DoorDash will initially launch its services in the city of Sendai, which is located in Miyagi prefecture. This marks their entry into the Japanese market, following previous expansions into Canada and Australia.
Q.What is DoorDash's stated strategy for entering new markets?
What is DoorDash's stated strategy for entering new markets?
The Chief Executive, Tony Xu, stated that their strategy focuses on empowering local economies, particularly in suburban markets. They aim to connect merchants and customers in areas that have been historically underserved.
Q.How has DoorDash's revenue been impacted recently?
How has DoorDash's revenue been impacted recently?
DoorDash reported a significant increase in its quarterly revenue, which jumped nearly threefold to $1.08 billion. This surge was attributed to increased order volumes during the pandemic and resilient demand supported by stimulus checks.
Q.Does DoorDash operate other types of delivery services in addition to food?
Does DoorDash operate other types of delivery services in addition to food?
Yes, DoorDash expanded its services last year to include delivery from grocery and convenience stores. This diversification occurred prior to its entry into the Japanese market.
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