The impact of e-commerce on industrial real estate

E-commerce has revolutionized the way people shop, and this in turn has transformed the industrial real estate market. With the increasing demand for the availability of goods online, the need for efficient warehouse and distribution centers has grown tremendously. This has led to a surge in demand for industrial real estate, with developers and investors looking to capitalize on this trend. In today’s blog post, we will explore the impact of e-commerce on industrial real estate and how it is changing the landscape of the industry.

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The growth of e-commerce

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Over the past decade, e-commerce has become a dominant force in the retail industry. Consumers are increasingly turning to online shopping to purchase goods and services, resulting in a surge in demand for logistics infrastructure. This surge in demand has led to a significant increase in the construction of industrial real estate facilities, such as warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment centers.

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In recent years, e-commerce has grown at an unprecedented rate — and the Covid-19 pandemic has only accelerated this trend. In 2020, e-commerce sales in the US alone reached $791.7 billion, a 32.4% increase from the previous year. This surge in online shopping placed a significant strain on logistics infrastructure, and e-commerce companies have had to rapidly expand their fulfillment and distribution networks to keep up with demand.

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Increased demand for warehouse space

One of the most significant impacts of e-commerce on industrial real estate is the increased demand for warehouse space. As more consumers turn to online shopping, retailers and logistics companies need larger and more efficient warehouses to store and ship their products. This has led to an increase in the construction of industrial properties, with developers looking to meet the growing demand.

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In addition to the need for more warehouse space, e-commerce has also changed the way these spaces are designed and utilized. With the rise of automation and robotics, warehouses are being built to accommodate these technologies. This has led to more modern and efficient designs, with taller ceilings, wider aisles, and in some properties, more loading docks. These changes have allowed warehouses to increase their productivity and efficiency, making it easier to handle the increased volume of goods being shipped.

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Another effect of e-commerce on industrial real estate has been the need for facilities in strategic locations. E-commerce companies require facilities that are in close proximity to their customer base to ensure quick and efficient delivery. This has led to the development of facilities in urban areas and near major transportation hubs. In some cases, e-commerce companies have even built their own facilities to ensure maximum efficiency and control over their supply chain.

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Shift toward urban centers

Another significant impact of e-commerce on industrial real estate is the shift toward urban centers. With the rise of same-day and next-day delivery options, many retailers and logistics companies need to be closer to their customers. This has led to a growing trend of locating warehouses and distribution centers in urban areas, rather than in rural locations.

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This shift toward urban centers has had a significant impact on the industrial real estate market, with developers and investors looking to acquire properties in these areas. However, this trend has also led to challenges, such as higher land and construction costs, as well as increased traffic and congestion. The demand for industrial real estate in urban areas has also led to a shortage of available properties, which has driven up prices and made it more difficult for companies to find suitable locations.

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Impact on employment

The growth of e-commerce has also had a significant impact on employment in the industrial real estate sector. With the increased demand for warehouse space, there has been a corresponding increase in the need for workers to staff these facilities. This has led to the creation of many new jobs in the logistics and warehousing industries.

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In addition to the growth of new jobs, e-commerce has also led to changes in the types of jobs available in the industrial real estate sector. With the rise of automation and robotics, many of the tasks that were previously performed by human workers are now being handled by machines. This has led to a shift in the types of skills that are required for these jobs, with a greater emphasis on technical knowledge and the ability to work with advanced technologies.

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It’s no surprise that e-commerce has had a profound impact on many industries, especially industrial real estate. With the ever-increasing trend of online shopping, the need for efficient warehouse and distribution centers has grown tremendously. This has led to an increase in demand for industrial properties, as well as a shift toward urban centers. The growth of e-commerce has also led to changes in the types of jobs available in the industrial real estate sector, with a greater emphasis on technical skills and the use of advanced technologies. As e-commerce continues to grow, it is likely that these trends will continue to shape the industrial real estate market for years to come.

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For developers and investors alike, these trends have been advantageous and lucrative. If you’re looking to make the changes in today’s market work for you, I encourage you to check out Flex Space Untapped. With my team of experts, I’m teaching everything I’ve learned in nearly a decade in this space — so you can learn how to procure, build, and scale light industrial office warehouses to create passive income for life.

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The future of industrial real estate

The growth of e-commerce is expected to continue, and this will continue to drive demand for industrial real estate facilities. As e-commerce companies continue to expand their operations, they will require more space to store and distribute their products. The development of new technologies, such as automation and robotics, is also expected to increase demand for industrial real estate facilities.

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However, there are also challenges associated with the growth of e-commerce. One of the biggest challenges is the need for sustainability and green initiatives in industrial real estate. E-commerce companies are under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, and this will require innovative solutions in the design and construction of industrial real estate facilities.

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In conclusion, the impact of e-commerce on industrial real estate has been significant, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. As e-commerce companies continue to expand their operations, the demand for industrial real estate facilities in strategic locations will continue to rise. However, the industry will also need to address sustainability and green initiatives to ensure that the growth of e-commerce is sustainable in the long term.

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Becoming well-versed in the impact e-commerce has on industrial real estate is a critical component of understanding the industry as a whole — primarily when making decisions about how, where, and when to make investments. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge about the industry, learn how to invest in light industrial properties with confidence, and scale office warehouses into dependable passive income, join me at Flex Space Untapped. I’ll see you there!

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