Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Chinese retailer Alibaba Group, has unveiled plans to expand its locker network throughout Spain and France.
Cainiao’s network currently comprises 170 lockers in Madrid and Barcelona, as well as 80 lockers in Paris. The project will grow the network to 2,000 lockers across the two countries, extending to major cities such as Lyon, Bordeaux and Lille, by the end of March 2022.
The locker network will enable Cainiao to provide a contactless logistics service with flexible pick-up times for consumers shopping on AliExpress, Alibaba’s online marketplace.
David Bu, general manager of Cainiao Network Europe, said, “Spain and France are two key European markets for Cainiao, so it is of utmost importance for us to continuously improve customer experience in these countries, while also reducing their carbon footprint. This reflects Cainiao’s commitment to providing more eco-friendly smart logistics solutions that can support sustainable economic growth.”
The retailer’s European operations are currently supported by its smart eHub located at Liège Airport in Belgium, as well as an intra-Europe trucking network that covers more than 30 European countries. The locker network is the latest step in strengthening its logistics infrastructure across Europe. Cainiao has also incorporated smart order consolidation into its shipping process, which combines multiple packages from various AliExpress merchants for a single consumer to improve logistics efficiency and reduce shipping fees.