Retail giant expands logistics warehouses in 5.000% and heats sector. Valorization should reach 20%

The advance of e-commerce in Brazil has transformed the logistics real estate market and turned industrial warehouses into strategic assets highly disputed by giants such as Shopee, Mercado Livre and Amazon.With the vacancy rate reaching only 8.10% in the last quarter of 2024, according to Buildings, a reference company in real estate market intelligence, and billionaire investments in infrastructure, the sector is experiencing a boom that redefines the distribution chain in the country. There are cases where the vacancy rate was even lower, such as the Sort Investments, specialized in the sector, which had a percentage of impressive 0.5% in the period and value of the square meter that exceeds R$ 5,500, with a projection of appreciation of 20% by the end of this year.

The accelerated expansion of Shopee's operations, which in just five years registered growth of 5,000% in the occupation of logistics spaces, is a direct reflection of this transformation. According to Buildings, the retail giant already rents 717 thousand m² in 68 occupations throughout the country, with 622 thousand m² already in operation. New facilities in Itajai, Guarulhos, Caxias and Distrito Federal show that the retailer has expanded its distribution network aggressively.

Sort Investimentos has a strong presence throughout the state of Santa Catarina, especially in the cities of Itajai, Navegantes, Araquari and Garuva, considered strategic for the installation of large logistics distribution centers.The privileged location of these regions, combined with the port and road infrastructure of quality, has attracted the attention of major market players.

“The logistics market has become one of the most strategic sectors for investors seeking high profitability and asset security. The projection of increased demand in the coming months indicates that this is the ideal time to invest, since the trend is for an even faster appreciation of these assets.We are facing a unique opportunity, in which the growth of e-commerce, coupled with the scarcity of available spaces, should drive a new cycle of appreciation in the logistics industry”, says Douglas Curi, an expert in the area and partner at Sort Investimentos.

In the last quarter, the company's negotiations totaled more than R$ 70 million, growth of 30% compared to the previous period. Currently, the company manages R$ 8 billion in assets, with R$ 3.5 billion only of logistics warehouses that total more than 553 thousand square meters.

The war for square meters

If Shopee is racing to consolidate, Mercado Livre already dominates this segment, with a stock of 2.4 million m² spread over 74 industrial occupations in Brazil, according to data from Buildings. 

“With the strengthening of infrastructure and the arrival of new international players, we are just at the beginning of a complete reconfiguration of Brazilian logistics.In this scenario, Triple A warehouses, with advanced technology and high operational efficiency, should become the most valued assets of the next decade”, he concludes.