Demand for logistics real estate rises as e-commerce soars in Texas. Due to COVID, there has been a surge in e-commerce transactions and thereby, leading to increase in cross-dock warehouses.
Amazon, FedEx and Lowe’s are three companies that announced distribution and logistics facilities aimed at e-commerce in the Lone Star State.
The coronavirus situation and shelter-in-place restrictions accelerated e-commerce growth and the need for warehouse space, said Kris Bjorson, head of retail e-commerce distribution in the Americas at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) Inc.
In the wake of accelerating e-commerce growth, JLL started a task force for real estate and supply chain distribution needs.
“Now that U.S. consumers have helped e-commerce surge above 20% of total retail sales — a three- to five-year leap forward — we see a tremendous opportunity to help all retailers in a better way, integrated as one team with every area of expertise required today,” Bjorson said.
The new facilities will enable next-day deliveries for a range of products and provide customers a more consistent experience.
Lowe’s has opened two other cross-dock delivery terminals in the Houston area.
Lowe’s and its third-party partners will make way for nearly 5,000 jobs to support the initial expansion. As there is an increase in the increase in online shopping during the pandemic, Lowe’s also recently announced it would provide $100 million in bonuses to recognize frontline U.S. hourly associates for their continued service.
“The additional bonus will bring Lowe’s total commitment to associates and communities during the pandemic to more than $775 million,” Salazar said.
The other main companies opening distribution centers in Texas include FedEx, which leased a 750,000-square-foot facility in Dallas which will be fully operational by the end of the year.
FedEx officials told that site was chosen because of its access to highways, proximity and customers’ distribution centers.
