Zalando under the roof at the new logistics center in Bydgoszcz

Zalando, a leading European fashion and lifestyle platform, and Panattoni, the market leader in industrial real estate in Europe, are celebrating the completion of another construction stage of the new Zalando logistics center in Bydgoszcz. In the presence of the guest of honor - the Mayor of Bydgoszcz Rafał Bruski - a traditional topping-out ceremony was held over the entire structure. The newly built logistics center will serve Zalando Lounge customers, responding to increased demand and the growing popularity of the shopping club's offer.

The logistics center in Bydgoszcz has an area of 140,000 sq m, which consists of logistics, office, and social spaces. Numerous eco-friendly solutions have been implemented in the facility, such as increased thermal insulation of the building, electric vehicle charging stations, rooftop photovoltaic installations, as well as rainwater collection and redistribution systems developed in accordance with the BREEAM „Excellent” standard.

The choice of Bydgoszcz and its surroundings for the construction of new logistics centers was influenced by the strategically favorable location, close to Polish customers and other surrounding markets, as well as the great potential of the local labor market. Access to other Zalando facilities, enabling smooth coordination of operations, was also significant. In this place, it is also worth emphasizing the fruitful cooperation with local authorities and their understanding of Zalando's investment needs.

Along with the construction of both logistics centers, Zalando, in agreement with local authorities, undertook additional investments, including the renovation of infrastructure and the construction of new roads near the company's facilities. Both investments will also contribute to the development of the local labor market, providing employment for over 4,000 people, including up to 3.5 thousand in Bydgoszcz and 800 in Białe Błota.

Rafał Bruski, Mayor of Bydgoszcz: - "I am pleased that Zalando appreciates the high investment potential of Bydgoszcz, which consists of both a convenient location and the availability of qualified employees and attractive investment areas. I am convinced that the close cooperation between our city and Zalando will be beneficial for Bydgoszcz and its residents, and will also create many new opportunities for the entire region. I hope for further strengthening of our joint efforts in the future".

The new logistics center in Bydgoszcz is the second investment of this type by Zalando in the region. Since May, a facility has been operating in Białe Błota. The launch of the Bydgoszcz center, which will be operated by a logistics partner, is planned for 2023.

Daniel Rogiński, General Manager CEE Zalando: - "Five logistics centers, combined with a favorable location and dynamically developing infrastructure, make Poland the true heart of our logistics network. Logistics, on the other hand, is the heart of Zalando and has a huge impact on our plans to further deepen relationships with customers, and thus become The Starting Point for Fashion. We are glad that through our investments and the creation of new jobs, of which we have created 12,000 in Poland so far, we can support the development of various regions of Poland".

The investment is being carried out by Panattoni, a developer that has already delivered 17 million sq m in Europe, of which approx. 30 percent for the e-commerce sector.

Marek Dobrzycki, Managing Director at Panattoni: - "A 140,000 sq m facility for Zalando is another major investment for e-commerce carried out by Panattoni. Once again, our vast experience in projects for this sector is paying off, including numerous investments delivered for the clothing industry operating in e-commerce. Today's topping-out ceremony is a confirmation of the efficiently managed construction process that Panattoni guarantees even in difficult and uncertain times. Now that the implementation is at an advanced stage, we can admire its size and imagine the possibilities it will bring. We hope that the fruitful cooperation on this project is a harbinger of more to come".

The logistics centers in Bydgoszcz and Białe Błota are further Zalando investments in Poland after the facilities in Gryfino, Olsztynek, and Głuchów (Łódź).

Zalando Lounge has expanded its operations to 3 new markets this year: Lithuania, Slovakia, and Romania (it is currently available in 17 markets across Europe).