Imagine residents in far-flung Yakutia receiving global goods through online shopping as easily as Muscovites, with significantly reduced delivery times—this is no longer a distant dream but an ambitious plan being rapidly implemented by Russian e-commerce leader Ozon. The company is making substantial investments to build new logistics infrastructure in the Far East and Urals regions, aiming to improve customs clearance efficiency, shorten delivery times, and help local businesses expand their markets.
Ozon's Ural Customs Logistics Center: Solving Clearance Challenges
Ozon recently signed an agreement with the Sverdlovsk Region Investment Promotion Agency to construct a large-scale customs logistics center in the area. Scheduled to begin operations in 2026, the 35,000-square-meter facility will have a daily processing capacity of 250,000 parcels. The center will handle customs clearance procedures and provide storage services before necessary customs documents are obtained, effectively addressing current challenges in clearance and last-mile delivery. The Sverdlovsk Region Investment Promotion Agency will oversee site selection.
Yuri Patanin, General Director of the agency, stated they would fully support Ozon in completing the site selection process to ensure smooth project implementation. Data shows that 14,000 local businesses currently collaborate with Ozon in Sverdlovsk Region, generating 3.6 billion rubles in annual turnover—a 33% increase from the previous period.
Notably, another Russian e-commerce platform, Wildberries, is also expanding in Yekaterinburg. Its warehouse at 1/2 Perspektivnaya Street spans 158,000 square meters with capacity for 120 million items. Wildberries plans to expand this complex to 230,000 square meters, making it the company's second large warehouse in the city. Operations were temporarily suspended following a safety incident but have since resumed.
Ozon's Far East Fulfillment Center: 8.5 Billion Ruble Logistics Hub
Beyond the Urals, Ozon is accelerating its expansion into the sparsely populated Far East. During the Eastern Economic Forum, Sakha (Yakutia) Republic Head Aysen Nikolayev, Ozon VP of Government Relations Dmitry Kim, and Northern Logistics founder Konstantin Lukyanov signed an agreement to establish a major fulfillment center in Yakutsk.
The center, slated for operation by 2027, will process over 480,000 daily orders across 40,000 square meters while storing more than 17 million items. With total investment reaching 8.5 billion rubles, Northern Logistics will contribute 6 billion rubles as developer while Ozon invests 2.5 billion rubles in technical infrastructure.
Nikolayev emphasized regional government support for logistics development, noting that large logistics centers improve access to diverse, affordably priced goods while creating jobs and enhancing quality of life. As one of Russia's leading e-commerce platforms, Ozon can effectively promote local entrepreneurs' products and stimulate small business growth.
Online shopping demand in Sakha Republic is growing rapidly. The new fulfillment center will meet this demand while significantly reducing delivery times across the Far East. Currently, Yakutia has 152,000 Ozon users—a 65% increase from 2024—who placed 1.5 million orders last year, doubling previous figures.
Local sellers on Ozon's platform have quadrupled over three years. The new logistics complex will enable faster nationwide shipments. Kim expressed gratitude for Yakutia's support and outlined plans to expand infrastructure, creating favorable conditions for business development.
Lukyanov added that the modern storage complex aims to develop logistics infrastructure, create jobs, and integrate the region into distribution networks. He described the project as strategically important for the republic's economy.
Supporting Local Businesses: Ozon Launches "Made in Yakutia" Showcase
To further assist local entrepreneurs, Ozon partnered with Yakutia's Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Trade and Tourism to launch a "Made in Yakutia" showcase earlier this year. Any republic-based producer can feature products here, gaining free nationwide exposure to boost brand recognition and sales.
Ozon's logistics expansion represents both strategic growth and significant economic impact for remote regions. By optimizing efficiency and reducing costs, the company enhances e-commerce accessibility while creating opportunities for local businesses. As these projects progress, they may reshape Russia's e-commerce competitive landscape.