Rising Demand for Warehouse Space in Regions
2025 confirmed a significant shift in the structure of demand for warehouse space in Poland. Companies are increasingly moving away from concentrating operations in a single large logistics hub, opting instead to invest in a network of regional locations closer to consumers and markets. According to leasing data from Accolade, nearly 400,000 m² of warehouse space was leased in regions outside the largest metropolitan areas last year, resulting in approximately 5,000 new jobs nationwide.
The demand distribution covered, among others, the provinces of West Pomerania, Podlaskie, Lubusz, and Kuyavian-Pomeranian, without the dominance of any single market. This spread of demand indicates a permanent geographic shift rather than a one-off effect. Regions are no longer simply an alternative to central markets – they are becoming the foundation of modern supply chains.
Regionalization of Demand and Changes in Supply Chains
This shift is part of a broader transformation occurring in the Central and Eastern European region, where the industrial-logistics sector is becoming one of the main beneficiaries of nearshoring and the restructuring of supply chains. Companies, seeking greater operational resilience, are increasingly choosing locations that allow them to diversify operations and minimize the risks associated with concentration.
“Our daily conversations with tenants clearly show that companies are looking for three things: operational resilience, access to employees, and flexibility that allows them to respond to market changes without excessive cost increases. These are very practical decisions, based on real business challenges, rather than expansion ambitions,” says Joanna Sinkiewicz, Managing Director of Accolade in Poland. This approach points to a permanent shift in demand towards regional markets, which not only better meet operational needs but also generate thousands of new jobs.
Changes in Retail and the Role of Regional Warehouses
Another factor contributing to the regionalization of demand for warehouse space is the transformation in retail. The rise of omnichannel models and increasing demand for faster deliveries are presenting new challenges for logistics companies. Retailers and e-commerce companies are increasingly locating their logistics facilities closer to the end consumer to meet growing expectations.
Rather than relying on a single central warehouse, businesses are opting for smaller or medium-sized locations spread closer to consumer markets, borders, or ports. This model not only allows for greater flexibility and control over operational costs but also enables better management of risks related to supply chain disruptions.
Leasing Decisions in 2025 – Operational Efficiency Over Expansion
In 2025, leasing decisions were largely a response to market conditions, rather than part of an aggressive expansion strategy. Companies increasingly focused on operational efficiency, cost stability, and access to local labor markets. Regional locations, offering good infrastructure and opportunities for further growth, gained importance and became a viable alternative to central markets.
Accolade's investment in Poland's regions confirmed that 2025 was a turning point. Leased spaces totaling 400,000 m² represent nearly double the volume of the previous year, demonstrating the growing significance of regions on Poland's warehouse map.
Accolade Investments – Modern and Sustainable Infrastructure
Accolade, investing in modern industrial parks, continues its operations in 8 European countries, creating sustainable infrastructure for global brands, particularly in e-commerce, manufacturing, and logistics. The company currently owns properties totaling 3.4 million m², leased to over 220 tenants. Accolade also invests in the revitalization of former industrial areas, which constitute over one-third of the company’s portfolio. These investments align with sustainable development principles and BREEAM standards.
Conclusion
2025 confirmed that regions in Poland are taking a key role on the country's warehouse map. Changes in the structure of demand for warehouse space, driven by supply chain transformations and retail evolution, point to a long-term trend. Companies are increasingly opting for regional locations that address their operational needs and enhance business resilience to market changes. By investing in modern, sustainable industrial parks, Accolade is leading this process, supporting local job markets and fostering the sustainable development of the warehouse sector in Poland.
source: openformat.agency
