Swiss e-commerce companies are facing a significant shortage of suitable warehouse locations within the country, leading to challenges in meeting the growing demand for logistics real estate. As a result, online retailers are resorting to outsourcing warehousing or seeking solutions across the border as per the Swiss Handelszeitung reports
The surge in e-commerce activities in Switzerland over the past few decades has generated a substantial need for logistics facilities. However, the supply of such properties has not kept pace with the rising demand, as highlighted by real estate consultant Peter Acél from Zurich.
To address this shortage, online sellers have turned to external specialists who possess the necessary resources and expertise to construct advanced warehousing facilities. Centralisation has become a prevailing trend, particularly as companies strive to cut costs in the current economic climate.
In parallel, customer expectations for faster deliveries have increased, necessitating decentralised inventories and a greater number of warehouses. By adopting this approach, companies can effectively meet the demands of modern customers, including same-day delivery.
Real estate consultant Peter Acél also revealed that Swiss companies are currently unable to fully pass on the actual logistics costs to customers. The scarcity of suitable warehouse space locally has resulted in a greater reliance on major external service providers. Alternatively, some retailers have opted to store their goods in foreign warehouses where labour and transportation costs are lower. This trend has led to the construction of logistics areas in neighboring countries by the first wave of retailers, according to the reports.
