Logistics

Dutch fashion platform Otrium has announced the launch of a new automated warehouse, called the O-Mega Robot. According to the company, this AutoStore system has up to 400 percent better space utilization than traditional warehouses.

European online retailers missed out on more than half a billion euros in revenue during the last four months of 2024 due to millions of lost parcels. The actual impact is significantly greater, according to Metapack.

For the past three years, DHL has been charging German online retailers a surcharge for parcel deliveries in November and December. This year, an additional hefty fee will be added during two peak weeks. It could lead German online stores to focus more heavily on Singles Day.

Temu and DHL Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The companies say they aim to support the growth of SMEs in established markets as well as in growth markets. DHL will utilize its logistics expertise to support Temu's operations in Europe, including its local-to-local model.

The average shipping costs of the 100 largest online retailers in Germany have increased from 3.92 euros to 4.39 euros over the past two years. Fewer and fewer retailers offer free shipping as a standard. Nearly a quarter of companies charge return fees in some form.

For several years, German Amazon customers have been able to return products without packaging. No shipping box or parcel label is required, making it easy for buyers. Now, the market leader is further incentivizing box-free returns: customers who use a box must pay a fee.

Ecommerce giant Temu has announced a partnership with Correos, the national postal service of Spain. As a result, sellers in Spain can take advantage of fulfillment solutions. Consumers will get more delivery options.

Dutch fulfillment company Monta has realized its previously announced expansion into France. The company recently opened its first warehouse in the country. In total, it now has 19 locations in Europe.

Over the past year, Amazon has delivered more than one billion products to Prime members in the United Kingdom on the day of order or the following day. The American company continues to invest in same-day delivery and its network of pick-up locations.

Online marketplace Amazon is introducing a shipping solution called Easy Ship in Europe, for sellers in the Netherlands and Poland. According to the ecommerce giant, the solution helps sellers ship their products faster, smoother and more cost-effectively.

TikTok Shop is preparing to launch in Germany, as indicated by various job postings. Notably, sellers will soon be able to utilize Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) in Germany. This suggests TikTok plans to open warehouses for sales partners on the European mainland.

German online marketplace Kaufland is discontinuing Fulfillment by Kaufland (FBK). The service will remain active until February 28, after which stored products will be returned free of charge to the respective selling partners. The platform is working on an international multichannel alternative.

Chinese online marketplace Temu has recently started using local warehouses in Europe. In the future, the company wants 80 percent of all European orders to be shipped from local warehouses.

At least 85 to 95 percent of products from Shein, AliExpress and Temu do not comply with European legislation. This is according to an inspection by European market surveillance authorities. Dutch regulators want a joint approach to protect consumers.

Galaxus, Switzerland's largest ecommerce company, saw its platform sales increase 18 percent last year, reaching 3.4 billion euros. Growth was particularly strong outside its home market, with further European expansion on the agenda.