Webvan (B)

Webvan, a major player in the Internet grocery business, began the year 2000 aggressively. Many analysts were optimistic about Webvan’s prospects, predicting that the company would capture significant market share and had broad opportunities. This case follows Webvan as it pursues its five goals for 2000: (1) substantially increase the number of customers and average order size, (2) ensure that its technologies and systems function properly at increased order volumes, (3) realize repeat orders from a significant number of customers, (4) achieve favorable gross and operating margins, and (5) rapidly expand and build out distribution centers in new markets.