InPost, one of Poland’s leading parcel locker operators, reported second-quarter results that met analyst expectations, but weaker demand in its home market highlighted ongoing challenges. The company achieved an adjusted EBITDA of 999.5 million zlotys (about $274.6 million), in line with market forecasts.
However, parcel volume growth in Poland slowed to 6%, compared to 10% in the previous quarter. This deceleration sparked investor concerns, leading to an 8% drop in InPost’s share price. As Poland remains InPost’s largest and most profitable market, the slowdown raises questions about saturation and intensifying competition in the domestic e-commerce sector.
Adding to the pressure, InPost has launched arbitration proceedings against Allegro, Poland’s biggest e-commerce platform. The logistics company claims that Allegro violated the terms of a key delivery agreement.
The dispute centers on alleged unfair practices in parcel distribution, with InPost seeking damages reportedly exceeding 2.3 billion zlotys. For its part, Allegro has strongly denied the allegations, dismissing the claim as “baseless.”
This legal battle underscores growing tensions between the two companies, which once maintained a close strategic partnership. With Allegro building its own logistics infrastructure, including parcel lockers, InPost now faces a formidable rival on both the retail and delivery fronts.
Poland’s e-commerce market has been expanding rapidly, with consumers increasingly relying on parcel locker networks for last-mile delivery. InPost pioneered this model and still dominates, but competitors like Allegro are investing heavily to reduce reliance on third-party providers.
The result is a “locker war” where both companies race to control last-mile delivery channels, a critical factor for customer satisfaction and loyalty in online shopping.
Despite slowing growth, InPost continues to expand internationally, particularly in Western Europe, where parcel locker adoption is still developing. These markets could provide new growth opportunities as Poland matures.
However, the combination of domestic competition, slowing demand, and legal disputes poses a significant test for the company. Analysts suggest that resolving its conflict with Allegro, while strengthening its international footprint, will be key to maintaining investor confidence and long-term growth.
The ongoing dispute between InPost and Allegro illustrates the strategic importance of logistics in e-commerce. As customer expectations for fast, reliable, and sustainable delivery grow, companies are investing heavily in infrastructure and services that give them greater control over the last mile.
For InPost, balancing legal risks with growth initiatives will shape its position in both Poland and abroad. For Allegro, the push to build its own network could further disrupt traditional delivery models, intensifying competition across the Polish e-commerce landscape.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
