The strategic expansion of a national OOH network
Cargus, in partnership with Carrefour Romania, is rapidly expanding its SHIP & GO network, targeting nearly 450 integrated locations within Carrefour hypermarkets, supermarkets, and Express stores by 2026. This ambitious plan includes activating over 150 Carrefour stores as parcel pickup and drop-off points by the end of the current year, with an additional 250-300 locations slated for 2026.
This significant expansion is a direct response to a nearly 20% increase in SHIP & GO volumes in 2025 compared to the previous year, highlighting a clear shift in customer behavior towards flexible and predictable delivery solutions. The SHIP & GO points will be conveniently integrated into 'Customer Information' areas or managed by staff near cash registers, allowing customers to handle parcel operations efficiently during their regular shopping trips. This move is Cargus's second major retail expansion in 2025, following its partnership with Agroland, reinforcing its strategy to develop a modern, efficient national OOH network.
What this means for businesses and commercial real estate
Reshaping last-mile logistics and e-commerce infrastructure
For businesses engaged in e-commerce, logistics, and supply chain management, this expansion signifies a critical evolution in last-mile delivery. The development of such an extensive OOH network aims to optimize delivery routes and stabilize operational flows, particularly during peak seasons. This can lead to increased efficiency for businesses, potentially reducing the need for extensive traditional warehouse footprints in favor of more decentralized or strategically located smaller distribution hubs that can leverage these ubiquitous pickup/drop-off points.
Driving demand for well-located commercial properties
The integration of logistics services within high-traffic retail environments like Carrefour stores underscores the increasing value of commercially strategic locations. Businesses looking for office or warehouse space may find increased utility in properties that offer excellent connectivity to such networks. Proximity to these SHIP & GO points can enhance convenience for employees, streamline customer returns or pickups, and facilitate more agile distribution strategies. The robust growth in the logistics sector, exemplified by this partnership, is a strong indicator of sustained demand for well-located commercial real estate across Romania.
A strong indicator of market growth and investment
The substantial investment by Cargus and Carrefour in this infrastructure project signals strong confidence in the Romanian market's growth potential. This level of collaboration and expansion is attractive to other businesses contemplating investment or expansion within Romania, as it points to a developing ecosystem that supports efficient commerce and consumer convenience. Consequently, this can stimulate broader demand for various types of commercial real estate, from modern office spaces for expanding teams to specialized warehouse facilities supporting the evolving logistics landscape.
Source: traficmedia.ro
