E-commerce continues to be a significant driver of demand

The e-commerce segment continues to be a significant driver of demand in the logistics real estate sector. Internet use in major global markets continues to grow. At present, GLP partners focusing on e-commerce represent approximately 40 percent of the company's global portfolio. This is a significant increase compared to 20-25 percent five years ago.

The pandemic has accelerated the transition to online shopping and digital solutions by at least two to three years. These changes are expected to have lasting effects as the world economy begins to recover. The new conditions require not only an increase in warehouse space but also the right technology, data, and manpower to result in increased efficiency in the wider supply chain.

The following list will show in more detail the most significant logistics leases and development projects of GLP in the past year.

In Europe, rents increased by 69 percent year on year

In Europe, leases increased by 69 percent year-on-year, with approximately 1 million square meters of contracts signed with new and existing customers in 2020. These were companies such as Alza.cz (for example, in the Czech Republic signing a lease agreement in a logistics park in Chrášťany near Prague), Amazon, DHL, Leclerc, ID Logistics, Royal Mail, XPO Logistics or SF Express, a global client who was the first tenant in Europe.

In addition, GLP Europe recorded its busiest year in terms of new construction. During this period, real estate development worth $ 813 million began. This represents a year-on-year increase of 113 percent. At the same time, it is expanding its existing assets and concluding the acquisition of the logistics real estate portfolio in Central and Eastern Europe.

 

Source:// Systémy logistiky