The optimum locations for ‘last mile’ logistics space is now being driven by not just where online shoppers live and work, but also the increasing complexity of delivery models, according to the new Future Gazing: Logistics – The Last MileReport by Knight Frank.
The shift in consumer behaviour is well-documented with shoppers the driving force behind the evolution of online. The biggest impact of e-commerce is the change in expectations when it comes to delivery, spearheading the pace of change in the ‘last mile’ logistics space.
However, the top 10 list is focused on supply (being constrained), affordability (with prime space at a premium), accessibility, and to a degree labour supply and changing labour markets.
Based on these factors, Knight Frank reports that the UK’s top 5 e-commerce ‘last mile’ Hot Spots are: Brent (northwest London), Croydon, Northampton, Hackney (north London) and Coventry. The next three, Lambeth, Merton and Wandsworth are all in southwest London, followed by Enfield and Haringey (north London).
Knight Frank added that the top 30 locations with the highest proportions of online shoppers are all located in London, where there is escalating demand for space in what is already an undersupplied market.
