The rapid expansion of distribution networks and increasing demand expectations have intensified the strategic importance of warehouse location selection in modern supply chains. Organizations operating within rapidly growing distribution networks must evaluate potential warehouse locations across multiple decision levels, including external environmental conditions, regional logistic ecosystems, strategic network alignments, and financial feasibility. However, Traditional facility locations often focus primarily on operation or cost-based criteria, which may overlook broader strategic and environmental considerations crucial for long term network developments.
This paper proposes an integrated multi-level strategic framework for warehouse location selection designed to address this gap. The proposed framework integrates four complementary analytical components: (1) macro-environmental analysis using the DESTEP model, (2) meso analysis for logistics ecosystems evaluation, (3) strategic filtering aligned with organisational distribution objectives, and (4) financial feasibility assessments. To enhance analytical rigor and support quantitative decision-making, the framework introduces a Hierarchical Scoring Matrix that systematically evaluates and ranks candidate warehouse locations across multiple criteria, including logistic performance and sustainable development considerations. By integrating qualitative strategic analysis with a structured quantitative scoring method, the proposed framework provides a transparent, consistent, and reproducible decision-support tool for warehouse location planning. The framework enables organizations to evaluate alternative locations more comprehensively, particularly rapidly growing distribution networks.