What happened to ShopRunner?

ShopRunner, a membership-based service offering free two-day shipping and other perks for online shopping, was **acquired by FedEx in 2020. The acquisition meant some significant changes to how ShopRunner operated, but it still provides benefits to shoppers, especially in the context of FedEx’s services. Here’s what happened to ShopRunner and how it evolved after the acquisition:

1. Acquisition by FedEx

• In 2020, FedEx acquired ShopRunner, with the goal of enhancing its e-commerce and shipping solutions. The acquisition aimed to streamline and improve FedEx’s capabilities in terms of faster delivery and shipping innovations.
• The move also allowed FedEx to further compete with Amazon, which had been dominating the fast-shipping and logistics space.

2. Benefits for Consumers

• ShopRunner Membership: After the acquisition, ShopRunner's two-day shipping benefits continued for eligible retailers, but the platform itself was integrated more into FedEx’s broader logistics and delivery network.
• Expanded Retail Network: ShopRunner continued to partner with major retailers like Neiman Marcus, Adidas, Saks Fifth Avenue, and others to offer its fast shipping and free returns.

However, it is important to note that ShopRunner’s offerings have become more limited as FedEx streamlined its approach to shipping.

3. Integration into FedEx Services

• After ShopRunner’s acquisition, FedEx began integrating ShopRunner’s benefits into its own services, such as:
  • FedEx Delivery Manager: The service allows consumers to manage their delivery preferences, similar to what ShopRunner offered.
  • FedEx ShopRunner: In certain cases, ShopRunner benefits were linked with FedEx services to boost their delivery speed and efficiency.

The focus shifted from ShopRunner being a stand-alone shopping service to becoming part of FedEx’s larger logistics and e-commerce operations.

4. Current Status of ShopRunner

• Membership: As of now, ShopRunner still offers a membership that provides free 2-day shipping and free returns at participating retailers, but it is no longer the standalone brand it once was.
• FedEx Integration: FedEx has gradually merged ShopRunner's services into its own shipping offerings, meaning it’s not as widely recognized or promoted as it used to be. The company shifted its focus on enhancing e-commerce solutions, and as a result, ShopRunner is no longer the primary focus for consumers seeking fast delivery services.

5. What Happens to ShopRunner Members?

• Existing Members: If you were a ShopRunner member before the acquisition, you may still have access to your benefits, though the sign-up process and platform interface are now closely tied to FedEx's shipping infrastructure.
• ShopRunner Benefits: You may still receive free shipping and returns for participating stores, but ShopRunner is now integrated within FedEx’s broader services, and the platform itself may not be as heavily advertised anymore.

Conclusion: What Happened to ShopRunner?

While ShopRunner as a standalone brand has become less prominent, its benefits live on through FedEx’s expanded shipping capabilities. FedEx’s acquisition allowed for integrated shipping solutions, targeting the growing demand for faster delivery and better e-commerce logistics. However, if you were hoping for the specific ShopRunner experience, it is now more tied into FedEx's broader shipping solutions rather than being a separate entity in the market.

If you’re a consumer or retailer wondering about ShopRunner benefits, they are still available through FedEx-related services, but the platform itself is no longer a major part of the shipping landscape as it once was.