A new deal between Takealot and Fortress Logistics will see the online retailer take up 20 000 square metres of speculative warehousing at Eastport Logistics Park in Kempton Park, Gauteng, it was announced on Thursday.
Fortress REIT's logistics park development portfolio concluded an agreement with the online retailer and operations would kick off in July 2021.
The Takealot Group, which includes Takealot.com, Superbalist and Mr D Food, grew revenue by 65% to R8.7 billion in its year-end results to end March, while trading losses decreased to near breakeven.
According to Fortress Logistics, the online retailer said it needed effective distribution in Gauteng as the growth of e-commerce continued at an exponential pace. It also said Takealot wanted warehousing space for the storage of white goods – large domestic electrical goods such as fridges and washing machines – within a secure park close to their current operation.
Takealot has a warehouse in Johannesburg on 1st Road, Glen Marais.
"The Eastport Logistics Park is centrally located which will enable Takealot to improve customer service and enable them to respond to market demands much quicker," Fortress Logistics said.
The Eastport Logistics Park warehouse also houses Pick n Pay in a new 36-hectare inland distribution centre - one of the largest in Africa.
According to Fortress Logistics, the Eastport Logistics Park is in a prime location, northeast of the intersection of the R21 and R25. It said there had been strong interest in the node as it offers high visibility and access to tenants.
"Routing to and from all markets in Gauteng can be done through various routes presenting vehicles with options to minimise drive time and avoid traffic jams," it said.
Jason Cooper, Head of Developments for Fortress Logistics Real Estate, said the company was proud to welcome Takealot to its logistics portfolio.