Brazilian retailer to use drones for distribution by 2021

Brazilian retailer B2W Companhia Digital SA is testing the use of drones to transport products from its distribution centres and hubs to its stores, reports Reuters.

B2W is the first homegrown retailer in Brazil to experiment with drones in its logistics, following similar attempts earlier this year by a local delivery startup known as iFood.

“We are working closely with the air space regulation agency, Anac, to help create these rules in Brazil. … We expect to start using drones in our distribution by January 2021,” Fábio Abrate, B2W’s chief financial officer, said in an interview.

B2W, which operates local e-commerce brands Submarino, Americanas.com, Sou Barato and Shoptime, is a subsidiary of brick-and-mortar retailer Lojas Americanas, with over 1,500 stores across Brazil.

Initially, the group will use drones to move merchandise from its 15 distribution centers and 200 hubs to stores. “Delivering straight in the customer’s house is not something for now,” Abrate said.