Zalando prefers the Netherlands over Belgium for its new distribution centre. This reports the Belgian newspaper De Tijd.
Zalando's new distribution centre was originally due to be located in Dour-Elouge in Wallonia. In fact, the necessary permits had already been granted there. The choice fell on the Netherlands after all, according to De Tijd. Reasons? The more favourable wage costs in the Netherlands and the opportunities for night work. The "turbulent social climate" in Wallonia is also said to have deterred the German company. The choice means Belgium will lose 1,500 jobs.
This is not the first time an e-commerce player has moved to Belgium's neighbouring countries. Webshops in Belgium run up against regulations on night work, working on Sundays, flexible work and higher labour costs. Because they still want to deliver quickly, it is more favourable for them to take the fulfilment to neighbouring countries such as the Netherlands, France and Germany.
Trade federation Comeos spoke of a wave of European distribution centres just outside Belgium last year. In these border areas, dozens of According to the federation's calculations, Belgium will lose up to 15,130 jobs as a result.
Zalando itself has not yet commented on the new location. From the distribution centre in question, it wants to serve mainly the Belgian and French markets.
