Online Retailers Are Transforming Warehouse Construction

As e-commerce has soared in popularity, U.S. warehouses have evolved to meet the needs of online retailers, transforming from basic storerooms into automated, material-handling nerve centers. Driven by consumers’ desire for fast and reliable delivery of everything from furniture and clothes to milk and toothpaste, these modern facilities are crucial parts of the supply chain for both e-commerce and brick-and-mortar brands like Amazon, Whole Foods, Kroger’s and Wal-Mart. “It used to be that if a consumer ordered something and it showed up in five to seven days it was good service but now they are demanding that same item the next day or even the same day in certain locations,” said Chris Zubel, senior managing director of real estate company and research firm CBRE. Read more at Retail Dive.