“Near-home” shopping, fast delivery, and the rapid growth of e-commerce are reshaping not only retail itself, but also the logistics infrastructure that supports it. Where consumers shop and how quickly they expect deliveries now directly influence warehouse locations, design standards, and the role logistics plays within supply chains. Accolade highlights five key trends that will have the greatest impact on logistics and warehouse infrastructure in Poland by 2030.
1. “Near-home” shopping is reshaping local supply chains
Across Europe, local shopping formats, retail parks, and neighbourhood convenience concepts are gaining importance. Consumers increasingly expect speed and convenience, forcing companies to shorten delivery routes and move operations closer to end customers. In Poland, this trend is particularly visible in mid-sized cities, where retail and logistics are increasingly operating within regional supply cycles.
The scale of this shift is reflected in market data: the share of retail parks in Poland’s modern retail stock has more than doubled – from 9 percent in 2015 to 22 percent in 2025 – with the fastest growth occurring outside major metropolitan areas. At the same time, urban and last-mile logistics across Europe are expanding faster than the overall logistics market, growing at around 8–10 percent annually, driven by e-commerce and rising customer expectations.
Spain offers a strong example of this trend. Proximity to consumers has become a key factor in logistics development, with retail and distribution facilities increasingly moving into regional cities.
“Since 2020, retail parks have accounted for the vast majority of new mid-sized retail supply in Spain—nearly 80 percent of newly delivered space in 2024, mainly in regional cities. At the same time, rising last-mile delivery costs are forcing companies to shorten supply routes and redesign distribution networks. The result is clear: logistics must be closer to the customer, more flexible, and better integrated with local markets,” says Eduardo Feliciano, Business Director at Accolade Spain.
2. Automation is no longer an innovation – it’s a necessity
Labour shortages and rising wage costs mean automation is no longer optional. For logistics, retail, and e-commerce companies, it has become essential to maintain efficiency. More and more businesses are planning warehouse developments with automation in mind—from order picking systems to handling growing online volumes.
The European warehouse automation market is currently growing at around 14–20 percent annually, driven by labour shortages, cost pressure, and continued e-commerce expansion. In practice, this means increasing demand for facilities designed for automation and solutions such as smart metering, which help monitor energy usage and operating costs more effectively.
“The next three to four years may be the most transformative period for companies in retail, logistics, and manufacturing in over a decade. We are seeing new tenant requirements and a growing role for automation. Although 2030 seems close, this time frame may completely change how we think about warehouse functionality and efficiency,” comments Joanna Sinkiewicz, Managing Director of Accolade in Poland.
3. Light manufacturing: warehouses with added value
Disruptions to global supply chains have changed how companies approach risk and operational continuity. Flexibility, safety stock, and the ability to respond quickly to demand shifts are becoming increasingly important.
According to Eurostat, more than one quarter of EU companies increased their inventory levels after the pandemic. In the coming years, this will drive demand for facilities that combine warehousing with light manufacturing, assembly, or packaging functions – shortening time-to-market and improving operational resilience.
4. Artificial intelligence is transforming supply chain management
Just a few years ago, key logistics decisions – such as inventory levels, routing, or order fulfilment – were made primarily by managers. Today, algorithms are increasingly taking over these tasks. Artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of supply chain management, reshaping demand forecasting, inventory control, and transport planning.
Market data shows that the use of AI in logistics is growing at an exceptionally fast pace, with forecasts indicating annual growth rates of several dozen percent through the end of the decade (Grand View Research). For the warehouse sector, this means a shift away from simple storage facilities toward operational hubs capable of integrating data, automating processes, and responding rapidly to changes in demand. Companies that treat AI as a strategic tool rather than a technological novelty will gain a clear competitive advantage.
5. Multi-storey warehouses will reshape cities
Pressure for fast deliveries is pushing logistics closer to urban centres. As land availability decreases and urbanisation intensifies across Europe, multi-storey warehouses are becoming an increasingly viable solution, allowing logistics functions to be concentrated on smaller plots closer to consumers.
While this trend is still emerging in Poland, early developments show that multi-level logistics facilities are feasible in the local market. The continued growth of e-commerce and expectations for fast, home delivery will force cities to incorporate logistics into their infrastructure planning. In the coming years, this is likely to significantly influence building design, operational models, and urban planning strategies.
