Shop Direct has outsourced a key logistics hub and introduced new returns management software.
The five-year contract with Clipper Logistics will see the latter leasing Shop Direct’s premises at Raven Mill near Oldham in Greater Manchester.
Clipper will employ around 400 Shop Direct personnel, providing a global returns management and a pre-retail service, managing the availability of stock. The solution will include Clipper’s Boomerang and technical services division value-added services.
The contract will commence in July 2019 and last until the activities migrate to Shop Direct’s East Midlands fulfilment centre in 2021. At this point a number of Shop Direct’s specialist returns management activities will move to Clipper’s Swadlincote in Derbyshire.
After this Clipper will expand the operation at Raven Mill into a multi-user returns and pre-retail support centre.
Shop Direct CEO, Henry Birch commented: “Clipper has a track record of delivering best in class fulfilment and returns for digital retailers. The agreement represents a positive outcome for our colleagues at Raven Mill.”
Steve Parkin, executive chairman of Clipper said: “This contract win is significant for Clipper, adding one of the UK’s leading pureplay digital retailers to our roster of best in class retail operators. It demonstrates Clipper’s unique ability in returns management across fashion, electronics and general merchandise.
“The Shop Direct brands have a distinct pedigree and are supported by a loyal customer base. We are looking forward to serving Shop Direct customers with our modern retail-focussed warehousing, e-fulfilment and returns logistics services.”
