The Netherlands: top spot for online retailers to expand logistics

The Netherlands is the most popular destination for online retailers looking to expand. These ecommerce players see this Western European country as the number one place to expand their logistics operations.

They are also increasingly looking for fulfillment centers and warehouses outside the traditional locations. Other countries in Europe where online retailers want to expand their logistics are, in order of preference, Italy, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Germany.

This is one of the findings from the European Logistics Occupier Survey [pdf], a survey among over 100 European users of logistics real estate.

Reasons why the Netherlands is so popular

There are a lot of reasons why the Netherlands is such a popular destination for online retailers looking to expand their logistics. For example, the country has a high internet and ecommerce penetration and offers a great infrastructure: there’s Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the Port of Rotterdam, and many other transport routes to the rest of Europe.

And the share of ecommerce in total retail sales in the Netherlands is growing fast: from less than 5 percent in 2010 to almost 18 percent last year. And the share is predicted to increase to over 23 percent by 2025.

Online retailers are more likely to consider non-traditional locations

The survey also shows that online retailers are more likely to consider non-traditional logistics locations. Something that’s also the case in the Netherlands, where land scarcity plays an important role. “Well-known logistics hubs such as Venlo, the Northern Randstad and Central and East Brabant are becoming full. That is why parties are increasingly turning to places such as Central and South Limburg, Lelystad and Overijssel”, Jim Orsel, Head of Logistics bij CBRE the Netherlands, says.

Research shows that logistics locations close to major cities are also popular among online retailers; with 64 percent saying expansion in urban regions is a high priority.

Expansion in urban regions is a high priority for 64 percent of online retailers.