OPINION
COVID-19 AND THE RISE OF ECOMMERCE
Serkan Sarikaya, acting general manager, Mercedes-Benz Vans MENA on making the last mile count
T
he ongoing coronavirus pandemic has forced a rethink on a global scale of how we do business, how we order, send and receive goods and, significantly, how we not only manage but also view the transport and delivery networks that are so intrinsic to the smooth, daily operation of society as we know it. Social distancing and lockdown measures have had an overwhelming impact on the traditional retail landscape, with the temporary closures of stores and malls spurring a mass migration of customers to online platforms, both global and local, 22 SEPTEMBER 2020
in order to meet their daily needs. While the region’s malls were closed for a period of time, traffic, both virtual and on the roads, had received a significant boost. If there are any plus points to emerge from the past months of economic unease, they can be seen in the rise of ecommerce and, as a direct result, the unparalleled demand for delivery services across the region and around the clock. In a region where the mall remains king, the idea of online deliveries for most goods and items was previously viewed as almost a novelty of convenience, offered by companies to customers who were interested in the service.
Lockdown measures have had an overwhelming impact on traditional retail”
Nowadays, however, delivery staff have risen to the status of ‘key’ workers, individuals who are essential to our daily lives. Firms are increasingly hiring manpower to meet the demand for rapid and dependable delivery of goods of all shapes and sizes. This has presented a unique opportunity for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the region as delivery fleets grow in size to meet demand, firms are looking to add to their numbers with reliable and comfortable vehicle options that can move products safely and quickly. Our expansive range of vans, technical expertise, renowned leasing, maintenance and repair services plus our reputation meconstructionnews.com
