Insurance News Archive
Online shopping boosts warehouse demand
Demand for warehouses has rocketed in recent months as online shopping grows in popularity and retailers need somewhere to store their stock.
According to commercial property specialist Colliers International, large regional warehouses are highly sought after and one major retailer is jumping on the trend by negotiating a deal for a distribution centre in the west.
Head of Colliers' Bristol office Tim Davies told Swindon Business: "Dramatically changing shopping habits have resulted in millions of people sitting at home to track down their Christmas gifts online rather than traipsing about the high street.
"We are seeing retailers returning to the industrial sector to ensure they have adequate logistical support for the unexpectedly steep surge in online business."
With figures showing that online shopping grew 14 per cent in the past year and more people expected to log on to make purchases in 2012 this trend is only set to grow in the coming year.
Businesses renting out such premises will need to take out commercial buildings insurance as they will be storing lots of valuable goods on site.
Posted by Judith Stevenson
30 Dec 2011
