Understanding the diversity of final delivery solutions for online retailing: A case of Shenzhen, China

Abstract

Since final distribution plays a significant role in the e-commerce logistics chains, it has drawn many stakeholders' attention and different solutions have been proposed to enhance the last-mile logistics. This is particular true in China, where the final parcel distribution systems are experiencing great challenges brought by the surging e-retailing. E-commerce companies, the third-party logistics service providers (3PLs), professional community delivery firms, real estate companies, and property management companies (PMC) focus collectively on the last distribution step from community gates to consumers' doorsteps. Despite many scholars in business management have investigated the classic patterns and related operation processes, little is known about the geographical variations of final distribution solutions themselves emerging in different urban areas. Taking Shenzhen as case study, the objective of this research is to understand the spatial diversity of e-commerce final delivery in this city with largest online transactions in China today. © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.