Naver is establishing a logistics center for the first time and directly entering the delivery business. As its shopping business grew, it is completely changing its strategy of outsourcing delivery to external companies. Naver is also promoting a plan to build logistics centers across the country, starting with the Seoul metropolitan area.
According to industry sources on the 6th, Naver is examining candidate sites to secure logistics centers on both the south and north sides of the Han River. Naver is considering various options, including purchasing land to build logistics centers and acquiring or long-term leasing existing logistics centers.
Naver, which started its shopping business in 2001, operated without any involvement in delivery until 2019, allowing sellers to choose logistics companies. In 2020, it established a partnership with CJ Logistics, and later startups such as Pasto and Pumgo entered Naver's logistics system. Sellers simply need to select one of these logistics companies.
This external logistics method reduced costs by not owning warehouses and utilizing logistics companies' storage, packing, and delivery capabilities. Naver has used these companies to counter Coupang, which leads with 'Rocket Delivery,' under names like 'Arrival Guarantee' and 'N Delivery.'
However, the explanation is that Naver determined it cannot compete with such external delivery methods amid intensifying delivery competition. An e-commerce industry representative said, "While the external company cooperation method has its merits, it has a structure where the shopping company cannot directly control shipping cutoff times, inventory placement, delivery quality, and logistics costs," and added, "Coupang, which invested over 10 trillion won to build a nationwide logistics network, has improved shipping efficiency through automation and data-driven operations."
Naver's plan is to establish its own logistics hub in the Seoul metropolitan area and then build logistics centers nationwide. Along with this, it is known that Naver will also secure delivery personnel for not only storage, packing, and shipping but also last-mile (the final delivery section where consumers are met). The industry believes Naver could also consider a 'Naver Friends' model in the future, similar to 'Coupang Friends' (formerly Coupang Man), Coupang's own delivery personnel.
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▶ Original source: https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/ranking/article/015/0005306795?ntype=RANKING
