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Former Apple retail chief Ron Johnson to launch gadget delivery service, report says

According to a report on Tuesday, former Apple SVP of Retail Ron Johnson is looking to open an on-demand delivery service for electronic devices, a sector currently being explored by the likes of Amazon, Google and others.

Citing people who spoke with Johnson about the project, The Information says the as-yet-unnamed startup will focus on on-demand deliveries, a departure from the retail guru's most recent job as CEO of J.C. Penney.

Johnson has also hired on former Apple employees to help with the new venture, including Vice President of Retail Jerry McDougal, who left the Cupertino company in 2013 to spend more time with his family.

While specific details are unknown, the upcoming service reportedly involves branded eco-friendly vans that are sent out on delivery runs on an on-demand basis. Similarities can be drawn with Uber, which is also experimenting with quick deliveries by way of food orders.

Amazon and Google have been looking for ways to make on-demand delivery services work, but so far their attempts have been largely unsuccessful. The logistics and economic viability of fast deliveries, however, continues to be roadblocks in rolling out a wide network.

Johnson is best known for realizing the Apple Store concept, which has become a major revenue driver for Apple and arguably serves as the face of the company. He left the company in 2011 to take on a position at J.C. Penney, but was fired in April of last year.