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Characterizing urban last-mile distribution strategies in mature and emerging e-commerce markets

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  • Janjevic, Milena
  • Winkenbach, Matthias

Abstract

E-retailers and other companies participating in the e-commerce supply chain are developing a variety of strategies for last-mile e-commerce distribution in urban areas. These strategies must account for a number of elements of local context which can be particularly challenging in emerging markets. Urban last-mile distribution strategies that are specifically tailored to these markets are rarely discussed in the extant literature. This study uses a combination of literature review and case study analysis to establish an integrated conceptual framework that allows to characterize urban last-mile e-commerce distribution strategies in both mature and emerging markets. We then use this structured framework to perform a review and comparison of different last-mile distribution strategies and highlight variables impacting the choice of network design decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Janjevic, Milena & Winkenbach, Matthias, 2020. "Characterizing urban last-mile distribution strategies in mature and emerging e-commerce markets," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 164-196.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transa:v:133:y:2020:i:c:p:164-196
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2020.01.003
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