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~ Spring GDS ~

A JOURNEY TO THE INTERNATIONAL

E-COMMERCE AND LOGISTIC LANDSCAPE

6 MARKETS, 6 INSIGHTS, 6 MANAGING DIRECTORS

PETR ZAJÍC UGUR SIRMEN LOU LAFORET
MANAGING DIRECTOR MANAGING DIRECTOR MANAGING DIRECTOR
SPRING GDS CENTRAL EUROPE SPRING GDS EASTERN EUROPE SPRING GDS NORTH AMERICA

make it harder for UK sellers to maintain their growing satisfaction through customised delivery options and
levels. For some, you see a decline in trade. communication.

Next, you see the pros and cons of single item vs. bulk There are also logistical challenges that include an
clearance. Spring GDS is an expert in single item import increasing number of orders and the variety of products
and invests heavily in bulk clearance options, providing our that require complex logistics solutions. Shipping
customers with tailored solutions. service providers should optimise their processes
to work efficiently and cost-effectively. The lack of
Another huge trend is Artificial Intelligence (AI). It helps qualified workers in the logistics sector is a significant
companies in multiple ways, such as digitalising supply challenge. Lastly, the return rate in e-commerce is high,
chains and promotional contexts, simplifying processes, and that is why e-commerce retailers must develop efficient
automating parts of them. AI allows businesses to improve returns processes to support customer satisfaction.
their propositions while optimising their budgets. For
years, you have seen this happening in many companies’ Petr [Central Europe]: The e-commerce markets in the
customer service departments. Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia are among the
most developed in the CEE region, showing significant
Björn [Germany]: Environmental awareness is playing an growth over the past few years, albeit with a slowdown
increasingly important role. Consumers favour sustainable in the post-COVID years of 2022 and 2023. Despite
packaging and eco-friendly shipping options. Besides, local specifics, these markets share many commonalities,
customer expectations regarding delivery speed are such as an increased portion of shopping conducted via
rising. More and more consumers expect delivery smartphones and social media platforms, a rapid rise in
within a few days, even within Europe. Omnichannel last-mile deliveries via lockers or PUDOs, and strong
strategies are also becoming more relevant. Retailers are competition from Chinese companies like AliExpress,
integrating online and offline sales channels. Shipping TEMU, and Shein. This heightened competition has led to
service providers must ensure seamless transitions between some consolidation among sellers and delivery providers.
these channels. Customers expect personalised shopping Larger players are tempted to own the entire vertical, from
experiences. Logistics partners can improve customer seller to fulfilment to last mile. Consumers are increasingly

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