Poundstretcher's direct sourcing deal aims to cut out middlemen

Value retailer Poundstretcher has appointed a new logistics supplier to help it boost imports by 80 per cent in 2004.

The objective, working with Maersk Logistics, is to cut out middlemen by sourcing directly from countries in Europe and the Far East. Poundstretcher - owned by Brown & Jackson - previously sourced via UK importers.

Import controller Dean Hawkridge said direct sourcing would 'significantly' cut costs, allowing Poundstretcher to import double the amount of stock for the same price. 'We're looking to increase imports by 80 per cent (in volume) compared with 2003.'

He said Maersk will manage the entire import supply chain.

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