RWB, the company that operates Wildberries, has begun testing a new partner program under which owners and renters of suitable premises can open a "partner hub" and receive compensation for processing, storing and shipping goods for the marketplace's sellers.
The hubs will receive, assemble and ship goods, as well as deliver them to Wildberries sorting centers, the company's press service said. Founder Tatyana Kim said the program would speed up deliveries to customers and give pickup point owners and entrepreneurs an additional source of income.
At this stage, applications are being accepted from property owners and renters in all regions of Russia. The project's future geography will be determined based on interest from potential partners.
Since mid-July, Wildberries warehouses in various Russian regions have been regularly targeted by Ukrainian drones. The company's losses are estimated at more than 100 billion rubles. Wildberries has begun paying compensation to sellers, but entrepreneurs complain that the amounts often do not cover even part of their losses. Authorities in some regions have also promised assistance.