DIARIO DEL PUERTO New habits 39 increase in online purchases has led to service improvements. These excellent figures have led to the development of new tools which have simplified processes. This, in turn, has increased purchases because operations are now much easier. In this sense, e-commerce logistics has been forced to invest in development and innovation. ”The new world of logistics requires good distribution networks that are flexible, fast and versatile. Thus, delivery processes have been improved and are more secure, enabling constant order tracking, increasing consumer trust and convenience. It also implies that customers can pick up their online purchases whenever and wherever it suits them”, explained Aceleradorecommerce.es. One of the solutions which is making good progress is micrologistics. Under this approach, the operator provides a service to e-commerce businesses so that they can delegate the management and storage of their products and packages without the need to have their own warehouse, taking charge of securing, protecting, picking, controlling the available stock, packaging, shipping and returns based on the e-commerce supplier’s automatic requests. ”This whole process means a reduction in logistics costs for companies, as well as automated, agile shipments,” the platform points out. Another alternative are logistics micro-hubs, ”as the goods are stored in an urban area, the means of transport used tend to be lighter in weight, thus reducing the carbon footprint”. RAISING AWARENESS Sustainability is becoming more and more important in society and, therefore, is increasingly demanded by consumers, whose concerns extend to all areas of their lives. This is why sales of ecological and local products have increased, requiring new distribution methods, at least in terms of packaging and delivery vehicles. In this sense, the market already has low-emission vehicles that are beginning to be seen on Spanish roads and in Spanish cities; and manufacturers are preparing to bring smart mobility and digital transformation solutions to the transport industry. FACTS AND FIGURES If 2020 was a record year for e-commerce, reaching a turnover of €51.6 billion according to CNMC figures, which is equivalent to 4.6% of Spain’s GDP, then 2021 was the year of the industry’s consolidation. E-commerce turnover in Spain increased in the first quarter of 2021 to €12.474 billion, i.e. a rise of 1.9% year-on-year. According to the consultancy firm XChannel, Spain witnessed growth of 21% in 2021, with the pharmaceutical, fashion, toy and food sectors benefiting most from the boom. €51.6 BILLION The fleet of ”Mercadona Online” vans is made up of gas-powered vehicles that have been designed exclusively to include three temperature zones adapted to each type of product: room temperature, refrigerated and frozen.
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