Beyond the large logistics centers, located in capitals and densely populated cities, a new trend has been noticed of the growing implementation of logistics warehouses in medium-sized cities and even in towns with less than 50,000 inhabitants. This trend is complemented by another that is beginning to prevail in large urban centers: the creation of microhubs to streamline delivery and make it more sustainable, especially in what is known as the last mile.
In the first case, these are small and medium-sized populations that have an enviable geostrategic situation. Zaragoza is one of the examples of a medium-sized city that is experiencing a great logistics expansion, but experts speak of Vitoria, Alicante, Vigo or Mallorca as potential logistics hubs in the coming years.
At the same time, there is growing interest in installing logistics centers in towns with very few inhabitants. An example is Guarromán (Jaén), with just over 2,000 inhabitants where companies such as Ikea or Correos Express have already settled, partly thanks to the proximity to the A-4. In addition to its location and ease of communication, one of the aspects that increase the interest of investors in these small towns is the low price of land, the availability of large plots without urban limitations to build and the existence of the available handwork. In addition to the advantages for distribution companies to settle in these points, logistics expansion is an ally to fight depopulation in certain areas, create economic activity and generate new jobs.
Regarding microhubs, mobility restrictions and the unstoppable rise of digital commerce is leading some shops and companies in large cities to give their model a twist and close their physical stores in neighborhoods to transform them into small warehouses or delivery points. The great advantage is that the microhubs allow rapid distribution on foot or by bicycle and can be located in different city districts.