Large retail chains have revolutionized their logistics systems positioning Distribution Centers - CDs - near large urban centers. This strategy would enable them to stay close to the outlets for a quick resupply, by providing favorable conditions in order to deal more easily with the growing traffic problems, which restrict access of large trucks to urban centers, and furthermore, associated with a wide spectrum of reasons, aimed to the optimization of logistics processes. The present study aims to measure the economic benefits of this new logistics strategy implemented by retail organizations in the adoption of Distribution Centers. These gains are related to the following factors: (i) reduction in transportation costs arising from suppliers, (ii) reduction of inventory and operating costs, (iii) release of prime space in stores for parking and display of goods, (iv)reduction of manpower due to the centralization of control of incoming goods, and (v) reduction of stock-outs. On the other hand, the retail chain internalizes some costs related to the operation of the distribution center, as operating costs, and freight from the CD to the stores. This study describes these factors relying on scientific literature and quantifies these costs empirically.