Skip to main content
BoF Logo

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

The Business of Fashion
Retail

Alibaba’s Logistics Arm Invests in European Last Mile

Employees work in a Cainiao warehouse in Wuxi, China's eastern Jiangsu province, ahead of Singles' Day 2020. Getty Images.
Employees pack boxes in a Cainiao warehouse in Wuxi, China's eastern Jiangsu province, ahead of Singles' Day 2020. Getty Images. (HECTOR RETAMAL)
By

Cainiao, Alibaba’s logistics business, announced today the launch of its locker network in Spain and France in the Chinese retail giant’s bid to ramp up efficiency.

While Cainiao’s network currently spans 170 lockers in Madrid, Barcelona and Paris, the firm plans on expanding the programme to 2,000 lockers across the two countries by March 2022.

The contactless lockers provide shoppers who buy from platforms like AliExpress the opportunity to pick up their parcels at flexible times, while reducing the carbon footprint of last mile services, according to Alibaba.

Learn more:

ADVERTISEMENT

Can Fashion Finally Crack the ‘Last Mile’?

Getting products to customers’ front doors has always been the most complex and expensive part of e-commerce logistics. Covid-19 and the ensuing boom in online sales have only upped the stakes.

About the author
Zoe Suen

Zoe Suen is a contributing writer at The Business of Fashion. Suen is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant who writes about luxury fashion and beauty.

In This Article
Topics
Organisations

© 2026 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Retail
Analysis and advice from the front lines of the retail transformation.

The New Reality of Shipping to Saks

While $1.75 billion in court-approved funding has brought labels back to the fold, the real test for vendors will come when that temporary safety net vanishes later this year.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Brand Elevation | Case Study

A growing number of mass and premium brands are pushing upmarket with a more luxe look, better materials and, often, higher prices. This case study unpacks how these labels are navigating the tricky challenge of elevating a brand.

view more
Latest News & Analysis
Unrivalled, world class journalism across fashion, luxury and beauty industries.

Can Big Luxury Find Its New Look?

Sex sells — if anyone can figure out what sexy means in 2026. Robert Williams tracks the search for a new silhouette at Kering’s Gucci, LVMH’s Dior and more.

VIEW MORE

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON
© 2026 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy and Accessibility Statement.