Landing, the company from Shipt founder Bill Smith that rents fully furnished apartments nationwide using a membership model, will move its headquarters from San Francisco to Birmingham, creating more than 800 new jobs.
“Landing is a fast-growing company with an innovative business model, and we are thrilled that it will establish its headquarters in Alabama,” Gov. Kay Ivey said this morning. “This is great news for Birmingham and for the entire state because it shows that we have the workforce and capabilities needed by a cutting-edge company that is blazing new trails.”
Smith, who founded the app-based delivery service Shipt and later sold it to Target in 2017, said he was pleased to move Landing’s headquarters to his hometown.
“Relocating our headquarters and expanding our Alabama team was a natural transition,” he said. “I’m excited by the opportunity to continue to scale Landing and bring new jobs and economic opportunities to my community. As we continue to expand across the country, we’re committed to the vibrant cities we operate in and will strive to have a positive impact on all of Landing’s communities.”
Landing has an annual membership fee of $199, and members can access fully furnished one- and two-bedroom apartments without strict leases, security deposits or utility set-ups.
According to Ivey, Landing’s move is the result of a partnership among the State of Alabama, Jefferson County and City of Birmingham.
The Alabama Department of Commerce estimates that over the next 20 years, the Landing relocation will result in $1.3 billion in new payroll, $112 million in new state revenue and a 356% return on investment to the state.
“Bill Smith is a rock star in Alabama’s innovation economy through his experience with Shipt, and Landing represents an interesting new chapter in a business career that has already produced massive success,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “The company is off to a strong start, and Birmingham will offer a solid platform for its growth plans as it shakes up the real estate industry.”
Landing’s new headquarters will be in the John Hand Building in downtown Birmingham.