No ecommerce without logistics. Because whenever a consumer orders something online, that product has to be shipped from one place (a warehouse or fulfilment centre) to another (the consumer’s house, a pick-up point, et cetera). So logistics play a very important role in the whole ecommerce process. In order to achieve success in the online retail industry, one has to have a very solid logistics plan in place.
Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn is currently experimenting with a smart door lock, so groceries can be delivered to a customer’s place, even when the customer isn’t at home. The test is part of Albert Heijn Online Labs, which invents and develops new concepts to improve the supermarket’s service. Continue reading
Swedish postal service PostNord has signed a deal with Wish, so customers will no longer have to pay VAT or handling fees upon the arrival of parcels to Sweden. Instead, shoppers will now be charged VAT at the point of purchase. As a result, Swedish customers will get their order faster than before. Continue reading
Ecommerce giant Amazon is massively destroying returned items and new products. And through Amazon, external vendors also get rid of their unsold goods. All kinds of products are destroyed in German logistics warehouses on a large scale, such as refrigerators, washing machines, cell phones, mattresses and more. Continue reading
DPD Germany is using eight fully-electric tricycles for parcel delivery in city centers. In Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne the postal company is using so-called TRIPLs which should be able to drive right up to the front door of a customer without any problems. Continue reading
UK-based postal operator Whistl has acquired Parcelhub and its sister company Mail Workshop. With the acquisitions, Whistl wants to accelerate its expansion in the parcels and fulfilment markets. Both businesses will continue to operate under their respective brands. Continue reading
Chinese ecommerce giant JD.com has introduced a solution for online retailers looking to sell in China. The China Railway Express is ‘faster than the sea and cheaper than air’, JD.com promises. The first freight full of JD-procured goods from Europe went from Germany to China last week. Continue reading
French supermarket chain Franprix has started tests with delivering groceries to the customer’s home, while the customer isn’t at home during the delivery. Franprix is the first company to test this kind of service in France. Continue reading