Zalando to build two new fulfillment centers in Bydgoszcz, Poland and create over 4,000 jobs

• Two new fulfillment centers will be built in the Polish city of Bydgoszcz and the neighboring village of Białe Błota
• More than 4,000 jobs to be created in total
• The sites will serve customers in Poland and nearby markets, to match increased demand and the growing popularity of Zalando Lounge’s offering

BERLIN, DECEMBER 14, 2021 // Zalando, Europe’s leading online platform for fashion and lifestyle, will open two additional fulfillment centers in Poland. One fulfillment center is already under construction in Białe Błota near Bydgoszcz, while the construction of the second, in Bydgoszcz itself, will start at the beginning of 2022. The investment extends the group's European logistics network and is a response to the growing popularity of Zalando's shopping club, Zalando Lounge.

The fulfillment center in Bydgoszcz will have a total area of 140,000 sqm, including office facilities. This site alone will create up to 3,500 jobs in the long term. The opening of the facility is planned for the second quarter of 2023. The fulfillment center in Białe Błota, which is already under construction, will occupy more than 100,000 sqm and provide additional warehouse space. At this site, around 800 jobs will be created. Its opening is scheduled for March 2022.

The fulfillment centers will make use of pro-ecological solutions, such as enhanced building thermal insulation, charging stations for electric cars, and rainwater collection and redistribution in accordance with the BREEAM sustainability rating of “Excellent”.

Bydgoszcz and the surrounding area were chosen for the new fulfillment centers because of their proximity for Polish customers and other nearby markets. The region also has high labor potential and proximity to other Zalando sites in Poland, which will allow for projects to be coordinated smoothly.

“The investment in Bydgoszcz and the surrounding area will allow us to expand our European logistics network and support growth of our shopping club, Zalando Lounge, which has become popular with customers across our markets, in particular in Poland. For the first time we will have two sites in one city, which is unique to our logistics network and will provide us with the opportunity to unlock new potential in how to set up successfully collaborating teams for an even better convenience proposition for our customers,” says Martin Rost, Senior Vice President Offprice at Zalando.

Along with the construction of new sites, additional investments are being planned in consultation with local authorities, including infrastructure renovation and building of new roads near the Zalando’s sites.

“We are glad that Zalando recognized the business potential of our region and chose Bydgoszcz and Białe Błota to build two new fulfillment centers. Thanks to this investment, several thousand people will find employment on the local market. I wish the investor effective implementation of their development plans in our city and region and I look forward to further fruitful cooperation” says Rafał Bruski, Mayor of the city of Bydgoszcz.

“From the very beginning, the Bydgoszcz Regional Development Agency supported Zalando in the process of selecting the location and launching the projects in and around Bydgoszcz, which is why we are all pleased with the implementation of both of these investments. The Zalando investment not only confirms the great potential of our city and the area of the Bydgoszcz Metropolis for the development of modern projects in the logistics and warehouse industry, but also allow us to strengthen our position on the domestic market of these services”, comments Edyta Wiwatowska, President of the Management Board of the Bydgoszcz Regional Development Agency.

Fulfillment centers in Bydgoszcz and Białe Błota are further investments by Zalando into Poland in addition to the facilities in Gryfino (Szczecin), Olsztynek and Głuchów (Łódź).