The growth of online sales was just one of the many transformations brought about by the pandemic, and this expansion did not come alone. It also stimulated a series of other businesses that ensure the cycle of e-commerce, from purchasing through mobile or computer to delivery to the consumer.

Amidst this expanding chain, few markets have grown as much in the last two years as the high-standard logistics warehouses. E-commerce has been both the main driver of this advancement and a confidence factor for those investing in these large and increasingly technological spaces.

Among the top ten occupants of logistics condominiums currently in Brazil, three exclusively operate in e-commerce, leasing approximately 1.1 million square meters, nearly double the 583,000 square meters occupied a year ago.

The vacancy rate, which indicates the percentage of square meters available for leasing, continues to decline despite the significant increase in new spaces. The numbers range from 8.95% to 12.56%, depending on the consultancy firm (some only include properties considered high-standard, while others include all types).

From January to September, just over 1 million square meters were delivered, according to SiiLA. However, the majority of completions were scheduled for the last third of 2021.

If all predictions come true, another 1.2 million square meters will be available for leasing by the end of this year, surpassing the total leasable area recorded at the end of 2020 by 12%.

The growth of online purchases has strengthened operations for companies in other regions. Giancarlo Nicastro, CEO of SiiLA, says that there is a lot of expansion opportunity outside of São Paulo. By the end of this year, deliveries are also expected in Ceará, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul.

In Rio, three developments are being completed, ranging in size from 19,500 square meters to 28,700 square meters, which could further increase the vacancy rate, currently between 18% and 19.8%, depending on the consultancy firm, positioning the city as somewhat of an underdog amidst the logistics boom.

Source: Folha de S.Paulo