Studenac focuses on sustainability and technology innovation as it preps new distribution centre near Zagreb

Croatian retailer, Studenac, has announced plans to build a new distribution centre near the country’s capital Zagreb that will open next year, deploying solutions to enhance the efficiency and capacity of its logistics network, ensuring shorter delivery times to stores and improving collaboration with suppliers.

The facility in Velika Gorica will cover 36,000 square metres and eventually create approximately 500 new jobs.

Studenac, which is owned by a fund managed by Enterprise Investors, a private equity firm in Central and Eastern Europe, currently has a central distribution centre in Dugopolje, near the coastal city of Split, which supports cross-dock operations in Zadar, as well as semi cross-docks in Dubrovnik, Pazin, Zagreb and Kutina.

“Since the change in the ownership happened in 2018, we have evolved from a local trader to one of the nationwide leaders in the retail sector in Croatia,” says Dragan Baškarad, a member of the Studenac management board.

“As we implement our growth strategy, we continue to invest across our business to ensure we continue meeting our customers’ expectations for high quality and fresh products. We expect that the solutions we’re deploying in the new centre will ensure the greatest possible efficiency all along our supply chain.”

Studenac has more than tripled its store network in almost six years, expanding throughout the country via a combination of organic growth and acquisitions, and it sees potential for further growth based on its proximity retail concept.

The location in Velika Gorica will feature a new warehouse management system (WMS) to integrate all operations, and an automatic replenishment system that will optimise stocks in the entire network. Studenac plans to embed environmentally friendly solutions including a waste management system and solar panels on the roof.

“The construction of this distribution centre is another significant step forward in our operations,” says Studenac CEO Michal Senczuk.

“The new facility is scheduled to begin operations in the second quarter 2025 with the aim to boost efficiency all along our supply chain, while at the same time improving the quality of the product offering in our stores.”

“Logistics is one of the company's competitive advantages, and we intend to use it as a foundation to further develop our network, continuing to roll out our concept of proximity stores.”

This project is being implemented in cooperation with the real estate company Log Expert and with the support of supply chain management consultants from Graphene Partners.

2023 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Studenac emerged victorious at the 2023 RTIH Innovation Awards.

It was highly commended in the Most Innovative Retailer category for working to automate decision making along its supply chain, reducing the need for manual interventions to a minimum.

Our winners were revealed at a fantastic awards ceremony, which took place at the Barbican Centre in central London.

The event was held on Wednesday, 29th November, maintaining its popular evening format, with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a Christmas themed three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Check out the full winners list here.

The 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards are now open for entries. Click here for entry forms and FAQs.