European online fashion platform Zalando will open two additional fulfillment centers in Poland, expanding its facilities by 240,000m2 overall.
One fulfillment center is already under construction in Białe Błota near Bydgoszcz, while the construction of the second, in Bydgoszcz itself, will start at the beginning of 2022.
The fulfillment centers will make use of pro-ecological solutions, such as enhanced building thermal insulation, charging stations for electric cars, and rainwater collection and redistribution in accordance with the Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) sustainability rating of “Excellent”.
The investment is designed to extend the group’s logistics network in Europe and accommodate the demand for its shopping club, Zalando Lounge. Bydgoszcz and the surrounding area were chosen for the new fulfillment centers because of their proximity for Polish customers and other nearby markets. The region also has high labor potential and proximity to other Zalando sites in Poland, which is expected to enable projects to be coordinated smoothly. Along with the construction of new sites, additional investments are being planned in consultation with local authorities, including infrastructure renovation and building of new roads near the Zalando’s sites.
Martin Rost, senior vice president of Offprice at Zalando, said, “The investment in Bydgoszcz and the surrounding area will allow us to expand our European logistics network and support growth of our shopping club, Zalando Lounge, which has become popular with customers across our markets, in particular in Poland. For the first time we will have two sites in one city, which is unique to our logistics network and will provide us with the opportunity to unlock new potential in how to set up successfully collaborating teams for an even better convenience proposition for our customers.”