Last-mile logistics analysis of retail trade in the historic center of Popayán, Colombia

Abstract

The distribution of goods in intermediate cities in Latin America has become a logistical challenge that involves different factors: stakeholder interests, available infrastructure, changes in supply chains, technological trends and consumer demand for products. Given the lack of integration between the private and public sectors, decision makers opt for inefficient measures to regulate the distribution of goods from retail stores. Considering that retail trade is of great economic importance in emerging markets such as Latin America, this research analyzed the last-mile distribution operations of retail trade in the historic center of Popayán, Colombia. The methodology was three-phased: identify, evaluate and understand the logistics of commercial establishments in the study area. As a relevant result, significant differences were found between the sub-zones, with a distribution that depends on the type of product. Therefore, this study can serve as a basis for the formulation of public policies for this city, based on methods from other studies carried out in Latin American cities. The line of research has a wide field to cover in the study of last mile deliveries and urban logistics.