Purpose: Warehouses are key nodes in many supply chains and typically represent
over 20% of logistics costs. However, other than property market studies, there
has been relatively little research on warehousing, particularly as regards how
trends in warehouses may relate to changes in such parameters as wider economic
and supply chain factors. The purpose of this paper is to examine this area in
order to explore how trends in warehousing may relate to existing warehousing
and supply chain theory so as to facilitate further research into the
relationship between warehousing and "smarter" logistics strategies and
efficient supply chain performance.
Research approach: The paper is based on a longitudinal study examining the
take-up (i.e. occupation) of new large warehouses in Great Britain over the past
16 years covering some 700 records. For the purposes of this study, large
warehouses are classified as those over 100,000 square feet (9,290 square
metres) in area. These trends, together with those of total warehouse stock, are
then related to national statistics, warehouse surveys, supply chain changes and
other relevant data over that period.
Findings and Originality: This is a rare longitudinal study of this subject. It
is found that, until the recent recession, the total warehouse stock, as well as
the take-up of large warehouses, has been increasing and this can be associated
with such factors as economic growth, retail spending and globalisation. Both
the footprint and height of large warehouses has been rising and this may be due
to such factors as network economies and warehouse technology. The locations of
warehouses are becoming more dispersed, possibly due to the growth in e-commerce
and port-centric logistics. In addition, it was found that large warehouses have
been increasingly taken up by retailers and manufacturers rather than logistics
companies.
Research impact: This paper examines the possible influence of economic and
supply chain trends on warehousing in Great Britain. As well as testing existing
theories, the data provides a sound foundation for future research. For example,
there have been conflicting evidence in previous research regarding economies
and diseconomies of scale and this discussion can now be set against trends in
warehouse footprint and height.
Practical impact: The paper provides a better understanding and basis for
decision making by planners, developers, funding corporations, operators and end
users. For example, topics such as size and height of buildings are examined, as
well as trends in port-centric logistics, rail connections and e-fulfilment. The
changing nature of warehouse designs in terms of wider economic and supply chain
trends is particularly important for practitioners as warehousing costs are to a
large extent determined at the design phase and have a major impact on the
effectiveness of the overall supply chain of which they are a part