Mobility and the mall: Three solution pathways for efficient and sustainable omnichannel goods transportation for a mall in paris

Abstract

Urban shopping malls do not only depend on consumer mobility to operate and thrive, but goods mobility as well. With the emergence of omnichannel retail, stores are now multifunctional hubs accommodating collection, delivery, and return of online purchases. As a consequence, goods transportation requirements for stores have intensified. This impacts the malls in which they are localized as well. The scientific literature that covers goods mobility and malls is fairly limited. It has not yet explored the efficiency and sustainability of goods transportation to and from malls in the omnichannel era. To perform a state of practice and suggest improvements, we combine case study and exploratory research for the Beaugrenelle mall in Paris. The research demonstrates three operational issues. First, chaotic supply operations resulting in alternative practices that expose delivery workers to financial, security, and ergonomic risks. Second, patchy delivery practices that are not aligned with the regular supplies. Third, a lack of storage. In response, we explore three solution pathways: i.e., introducing dedicated staff, engaging third parties, and implementing intelligent technology. In doing so, we intend to provide elements for discussion for the mall operator, the retail tenants, their logistics service providers and the city moving forward.