The e-commerce industry is generating almost $1 billion in sales in the U.S. every year. The companies that operate within the industry are also snatching up available warehouse space throughout the country in record numbers. In 2017 alone, commercial developers created more than 180 million square feet of new warehouse space all across the country to accommodate the e-commerce craze. That’s amazing when you consider than only about 100 million square feet of warehouse space was created during the entire previous decade.
With that in mind, you might be surprised to hear that there are many older warehouses that are sitting unused in various parts of the U.S. right now. The reason? Older warehouses simply aren’t equipped to keep up with the demands of companies focused on e-commerce. E-commerce companies need warehouses with features like high ceilings, large load bays, and a lot of floor space. These features allow them to set up automated supply chains and make it easy for them to handle order management.
In the coming years, that will likely mean that many older warehouses are going to have to evolve and get with the times. These warehouses, many of which are more than 30 years old, are going to either must be torn down and replaced with more modern versions or updated to include some of the features e-commerce companies find attractive. By opening warehouses up more and making them more accessible and easier to get around in, landlords for these warehouses can make them more appealing to those operating in the e-commerce space.
If your e-commerce company is having trouble tracking down the right warehouse space for your business, Affiliated Warehouse Companies can make it easier on you. We have a large selection of warehouse locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Call us at 732-739-2323 to set up a showing at a warehouse in your area.