Ecommerce logistics in Russia: key trends for 2023-2024

Results of ecommerce logistics in Russia in 2023, the top e-com trends today, and how AI can help?

By the end of 2023, e-com logistics in Russia has established a new supply chain in the face of changing demand and adapted to consumer preferences. Trends in ecom - such as regional market growth - are also impacting logistics.

E-com: top trends in 2023-2024

Marketplaces continue their growth as a share of total online sales. In 2023, according to Data Insight, marketplaces will account for 81% of total internet orders in Russia, up from 70% in 2022. This indicates the growing influence of large platforms on the market and changing consumer habits.

An equally important trend in e-com is customer centricity. Companies are increasingly focused on the needs and convenience of customers, offering innovative payment methods. For example, installment services - BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) - and wallets that allow instant transactions. This approach not only improves user experience, but also stimulates consumption growth.

Finally, the growth of online sales in the regions is noticeable. Whereas previously up to 90% of turnover was concentrated in Moscow, the Moscow region and St. Petersburg, today their share has fallen to less than 35% (excluding orders from large marketplaces). The regional market is getting more and more attention. As a result, delivery points are opening even in small towns of up to 500 people.

Logistics in e-com - all to the regions

One of the major factors affecting the market landscape has been population migration and changing consumer flows. Construction of new businesses, government subsidies are leading to rising incomes in the regions and consequently increasing consumer demand.

The increase in online sales in the regions requires special attention to logistics solutions, so companies are actively building warehouses, developing networks of retail outlets, and building mainline delivery. The emergence of a large number of darkstores and drop-off points has stimulated serious growth in express delivery. At the same time, according to Eshopmedia co-owner Evgeny Schepelin, the number of drop-off points may double on the horizon of 2024.

The year 2023 turned out to be a landmark year for e-com logistics in Russia. There was a noticeable growth in infrastructure and development of in-house logistics services of major marketplaces such as Wildberries and Ozon. In the second quarter of 2023, 83% of all orders were delivered by their own services, which is 8% more than in the same period of 2022. By the end of 2023, 85% of orders were delivered via drop-off points.

How can AI be useful in logistics?

The development of artificial intelligence technologies is central to modern logistics processes. Generative models and analytical tools help optimize supply chains and inventory management. This in turn improves the speed and quality of delivery, which is critical in a competitive marketplace.

Smart route building allows AI to predict road conditions based on previously acquired traffic, weather, and obstacle data. Algorithms evaluate different routes and, after collecting data on the most successful solutions, select the best options. Finally, warehouse management. Robotic solutions increase the efficiency of order processing, reducing energy consumption and reducing the risk of damage to goods.

E-commerce logistics at TransRussia | SkladTech 2025

TransRussia | SkladTech is the largest exhibition of transportation and logistics services, warehouse equipment and technologies in Russia and the CIS. In 2024, the exhibition was visited by 30,217 specialists from 81 regions of Russia and 50 countries. 583 companies presented their services in 12 sections of the TransRussia exhibition and as part of a special SkladTech exposition.

One of the sections of the exhibition is "E-commerce logistics". It was of interest to 4,676 professionals at TransRussia 2024. Among the interested visitor companies: BORK, ECCO, Hoff, Lamoda, Leroy Merlin, Ozon, Wildberries, X5 Group, All Instruments, VkusVill, Komus, Lenta, LETAIL, Magnit, Magnit Pharma, Miratorg, Nestlé Russia, O`KEY, PepsiCo, Podruzhka, Severstal, Cherkizovo and others.