Russian e-commerce giant Ozon has unveiled an innovative initiative allowing entrepreneurs to acquire strategically located pickup points at zero cost, eliminating the typical 30,000-ruble security deposit requirement.
Premium Locations at No Cost
The program identifies pickup points scheduled for closure but occupying valuable community positions. These "golden locations" are being transferred to new partners through a standardized legal entity change process. Recipients inherit fully operational sites in high-traffic areas with established customer bases.
Transparent Transfer Process
Ozon has implemented rigorous selection criteria, transferring only proven locations with profitability potential. While the transfer itself carries no fee, new owners must comply with platform regulations. Previous owners are required to complete inventory audits and settle outstanding penalties before transfer completion.
Initial Locations Available
The first wave includes four premium locations:
- Moscow (2 locations)
- Yekaterinburg (1 location)
- Velikiye Luki, Pskov Oblast (1 location)
Ozon provides detailed profiles for each site, including square footage, operational history, and three-month revenue averages, enabling informed investment decisions.
Strategic Market Positioning
Company representatives frame the initiative as preserving community services while simplifying exit procedures for current owners. Industry analysts suggest the move reflects Ozon's long-term confidence in community e-commerce and strategic network optimization.
Market Context
Recent reports indicate a 14% year-over-year decline in pickup point franchise interest across major platforms, with Ozon experiencing a 12% decrease. However, industry data shows continued expansion of physical networks, with Wildberries reporting over 90,000 locations and Yandex maintaining approximately 15,000.
This program emerges as an entry opportunity for entrepreneurs deterred by initial capital requirements, potentially revitalizing interest in community e-commerce ventures during a period of market recalibration.