Scaling internationally: the biggest challenge in fulfillment
On February 20th, 2025, Radial welcomed top ecommerce executives and C-level leaders to an exclusive event in Rotterdam. The key takeaway from the event was that the biggest challenge in fulfillment faced by many brands is scaling their business internationally in a lean, efficient, and sustainable way. The event underscored the importance of providing solutions that streamline cross-border expansion while addressing logistical complexities.
Hosted in an iconic abandoned factory by the Maas river, the 360° Dome Experience was a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and explore the future of fulfillment in a way that went far beyond the typical business event.
Emerging trends and client needs
The event opened the door to important discussions about the biggest challenge in fulfillment and emerging industry trends. A variety of topics came up, helping to highlight the evolving needs of ecommerce businesses:
- Fraud protection in last-mile delivery in France (potential solution: signature on delivery).
- Scaling operations from a single-country setup to a multi-country fulfillment strategy.
- Leveraging bonded warehouses for tax and duty benefits.
- The complexities of entering the U.S. market, especially in the current political and trade climate.
Attendees also voiced specific concerns that have been affecting their businesses. They mentioned: fraud in parcel deliveries in France, stricter regulations in the Netherlands regarding lithium battery storage, and unexpected price increases from logistics providers.
Erik van Dee, Radial’s Sales Director, pointed out:
“The insights from the event and connections made will be instrumental in shaping our approach and helping us better support brands as they scale.”
Captivating 360-degree warehouse video
The Radial 360-degree warehouse video, displayed on the ceiling of the dome, captivated attendees and provided them with a clear and compelling impression of Radial’s fulfillment capabilities.
The video showcased the state-of-the-art facility in Groningen, the Netherlands, one of Radial’s network of fulfillment warehouses in Europe and the US. In this warehouse, 299 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) collaborate with human employees. The robots efficiently manage bin-to-person, pallet-to-person, and transport operations, enhancing productivity and accuracy. This facility is an example of the successful collaboration between Radial Europe, Dematic (warehouse automation specialist), and Quicktron Robotics (AMR producer).
A keynote that inspired change
The dynamic keynote by Leonardo Avezzano, a storyteller, photographer, and explorer, deeply resonated with the audience. Leonardo shared his personal journey of embracing change and transforming fear into opportunity.
As he explained:
“Fear is there to tell you that you’re stepping into the unknown. It’s an awareness super-weapon.”
In the fast-paced world of ecommerce, this mindset is essential. His message inspired attendees to rethink their approach to change. Instead of viewing it as an obstacle, they were encouraged to see it as a catalyst for innovation and growth.
A remarkable dining experience
Guests enjoyed also a remarkable “Journey around the world” dining experience, curated by Michelin-starred Chef Micha van der Veen. At just 27 years old, Chef Micha is already a standout in the culinary world, known for his 3rd place finish in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or competition. His approach to cooking is all about fresh, seasonal ingredients. Chef Micha’s signature dishes are designed to awaken the senses and stir emotions.
Before his culinary journey, Micha worked as Chef de Partie at the renowned 3 Michelin-starred restaurant The Librije in Zwolle. His talent shone as he guided guests through a multi-course dining experience that matched the event’s theme of innovation.
Voices from the event: attendees feedback
With C-level and ecommerce executives in attendance, the event provided rare opportunities for meaningful networking. Guests engaged directly with Radial’s team and one another, discussing the challenges and opportunities they face in today’s ecommerce landscape. Here’s what some attendees had to say about their experience at the Radial event:
“Thank you for the invitation. I thoroughly enjoyed the ‘total experience’ The speaker, venue, and all the good conversations made it a perfect day” – Adrian Pritchard
“Many thanks for the invitation from yesterday. It was an amazing event!” – Maike Hoek
“Thanks for the invite, it was an awesome event yesterday. I really enjoyed the opportunity” – Marko Obrknezev
“Congratulations for the idea! It was a truly lovely evening: great food, location and professionals who joined” – Alberto del Santo
What’s next
This event is just the beginning. We’re excited to continue these important conversations and explore how Radial can help businesses unlock new fulfillment opportunities. Next stop: Milan, March 2025, where we will continue discussing the future of ecommerce and how Radial’s solutions can drive success.
Stay tuned for more events and opportunities to connect with Radial!
