DFS has reported continued progress with the creation of its new Group final mile logistics operation; The Sofa Delivery Company which it says aims to significantly improve the UK logistics capability for its DFS and Sofology brands.
More than a thousand colleagues within DFS and Sofology have joined the new business. “Our aim is to improve efficiency, including improved customer service and a more flexible working environment for colleagues whilst also reducing the Group’s environmental impact,” said Tim Stacey, group CEO, at the company’s results this week.
Development plans are on track with annualised savings of at least £3m from the end of the current financial year being targeted. The company is currently integrating its logistics IT systems across the group, a key enabler for multi-brand order fulfilment, and will complete the roll-out of its delivery vehicle routing and inventory management systems across all vehicles in the re-branded fleet by the end of FY22.
It means that the Sofa Delivery Company is now able to offer group-wide extended hours delivery to customers seven days a week.
The furniture group also updated on its efforts in sustainability in the supply chain. It said that significant effort has been made in improving the traceability of the raw materials used in its products and obtaining third-party certification and verification that suppliers meet sustainable sourcing requirements.
This has initially focussed on timber and leather, with the company publishing new targets covering the fabrics it uses. The group has also committed to the BRC Climate Action Roadmap to be net-zero by 2040 and is in the process of securing a specialist advisor to help it understand its Scope 3 emissions and establish Science-Based targets to allow it to achieve its net-zero ambitions.
