Chinese online marketplace AliExpress is launching Local+, a fulfillment solution that allows retailers to outsource shipping. The platform has acquired several warehouses in Europe. As a result, shipping will be quicker.
The news was announced this week in a press release. With the start of its fulfillment services, AliExpress is following in the footsteps of competitors like Shein, Temu and Amazon. In December last year, Temu started using local warehouses where products from Chinese and European sellers are stored. This significantly reduced delivery times.
10 warehouses in Europe
Since 2022, online sellers in Europe have been able to sell on AliExpress’ marketplace. So far, they had to handle shipping themselves or through third-party providers. Now, the Chinese marketplace has bought 10 warehouse in the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany.
Products will be shipped to consumers within seven days
The fulfillment solution is called Local+. Sellers who use it will get a badge on their products. According to AliExpress, products will be shipped to consumers within a minimum of seven days. Returns will also be handled by AliExpress.
Influenced by the market
The platform says that it is launching this new service to provide customers with a more familiar and convenient shopping experience. However, it seems that the company is also making this move to keep up with competitors.
Additionally, because of VAT reforms, importing goods from outside the EU will become more expensive. The duty-free threshold will be abolished by 2028 at the latest. And the European Commission is now also considering an additional import levy of around two euros, on orders coming from outside the European Union.
