Onest Expands Logistics Network as E-Commerce Demand Grows

Summary: Onest SmartLogistics is expanding flexible logistics capacity in Mexico as e-commerce growth, seasonal demand and higher return rates increase the need for scalable warehousing, fulfillment and distribution services. With more than 30 distribution centers, 300 million footwear and garment units managed annually, and technology-enabled inventory accuracy of 99.9%, the company is strengthening on-demand warehousing and cross-border logistics to support evolving supply chains. 

Onest SmartLogistics is marking 22 years of operations with a network of more than 30 distribution centers in Mexico, as rising e-commerce activity and changing consumer demand increase requirements for flexible storage, fulfillment and distribution services. 

The company manages more than 300 million pairs of footwear and garments annually and handles about 25 million boxes per month across storage, fulfillment and e-commerce distribution operations.

Onest said its operations maintain 99.9% accuracy in inventory and operational fulfillment, supported by warehouse management technology, traceability systems and standardized processes. The company said these capabilities allow it to adapt its logistics model to the requirements of individual customers and respond to fluctuations in demand.

“In logistics, leadership is not demonstrated only by installed capacity, the number of operations or the kilometers traveled. It is demonstrated by the ability to respond when the market changes, demand accelerates and customers need to make decisions quickly,” said Rubén Imán, CEO of Onest SmartLogistics. 

Technology Supports Supply Chain Visibility

As e-commerce expands, logistics providers are facing requirements for greater visibility across inventory and distribution operations. Onest has incorporated warehouse management, inventory traceability, data analysis and operational monitoring tools to track merchandise from arrival through distribution.

The company said this visibility becomes particularly relevant during periods of high demand, when businesses need to adjust inventory levels, distribution schedules and warehouse capacity while limiting operational errors.

Kurt Jacobs, Vice President of Commercial Operations at Onest SmartLogistics, said fashion and footwear companies face additional logistics pressure because collections change frequently and generate higher volumes of returns. According to data cited by the company from the Mexican Association of Online Sales (AMVO), e-commerce returns in Mexico represent between 10% and 15% of sales and can reach between 25% and 31% in categories such as fashion and footwear.

The company also cited Deloitte data showing that 30% of surveyed retailers use artificial intelligence to improve supply chain visibility. Deloitte expects that share to increase to 41% the following year, highlighting the growing role of technology in inventory and logistics management. 

On-Demand Warehousing Expands

Alongside its existing distribution network, Onest has expanded its on-demand warehousing services to address temporary capacity requirements. The model is designed for businesses managing excess inventory, seasonal demand, product launches, extraordinary imports or other situations requiring additional storage capacity.

This approach allows companies to access logistics infrastructure and services for defined periods without relying exclusively on permanent capacity. Alberto Hernández, Commercial Director of Onest SmartLogistics, said the service provides temporary access to infrastructure prepared to receive, control, store and move merchandise.

The strategy comes as companies operating in Mexico face changing demand patterns and the need to adjust supply chain capacity. For retailers and manufacturers, flexible warehousing can support inventory management during peak periods while allowing businesses to respond to changes in sales volumes. 

Investment Targets Infrastructure and Cross-Border Logistics

Onest's expansion of flexible logistics services is also accompanied by investment in its physical infrastructure and transportation capabilities. Earlier this year, the company announced an investment of MX$100 million to expand its logistics infrastructure, strengthen the movement of goods from ports and consolidate cross-border transportation routes to the United States and Guatemala.

The investment connects Onest's warehousing operations with transportation requirements that extend beyond Mexico's domestic market. Cross-border logistics has become an important component of supply chain planning as manufacturers, retailers and other companies seek to coordinate inventories and distribution across North America and Central America.

Onest's network of more than 30 distribution centers provides the company with infrastructure to manage these operations while its technology systems support inventory control and traceability. 

E-Commerce Drives Logistics Investment

The company's expansion comes as Mexico's e-commerce market continues to generate demand for distribution infrastructure, fulfillment services and transportation capacity. Mercado Libre, for example, announced a US$4.6 billion investment in Mexico for 2026, its largest annual commitment in the country, alongside plans to create 8,500 jobs.

The investment includes capital and operating expenditures for logistics, technology, innovation and financial services. Mercado Libre expects its Mexican workforce to exceed 42,000 employees by the end of 2026, with most of the new positions focused on logistics operations, reported MBN. 

The company also continues to expand its distribution network. In February 2026, Mercado Libre inaugurated the XEM3 logistics center in Cuautitlán Izcalli, State of Mexico. Developed through a US$140 million partnership with Vesta, the 80,000 m2 facility is the company's largest cross-dock center in Latin America and currently processes about 550,000 packages per day.

Automation planned for the facility could increase capacity to nearly 1 million packages per day. The center supports same-day delivery in more than 28 cities and serves about 100,000 SMEs.

Mercado Libre also opened a 10,000 m2 distribution center in Hermosillo, Sonora, in December 2025 following a US$5 million investment. The facility became the company's 14th distribution center in Mexico. 

Logistics Infrastructure Supports Business Growth

The expansion of e-commerce platforms and the increasing use of digital sales channels are creating requirements for logistics infrastructure capable of handling larger volumes while maintaining inventory accuracy and delivery performance.

For Onest, the combination of more than 30 distribution centers, technology-enabled inventory management and on-demand warehousing forms part of a strategy aimed at providing companies with capacity that can adjust to market conditions.

The company said it currently manages more than 300 million pairs of footwear and garments annually and processes about 25 million boxes per month. Its 99.9% inventory accuracy and operational fulfillment rate are supported by standardized processes, traceability and technology.

As retailers and manufacturers continue adapting their supply chains to seasonal demand, e-commerce growth and cross-border operations, flexible warehousing and distribution capacity are becoming part of companies' broader logistics strategies in Mexico.