WHSmith has appointed GXO as its new outsourced logistics partner in the UK, Retail Week can reveal.
The retailer has partnered with GXO to establish a “more efficient and effective supply chain” to support the performance of its growing travel stores as well as its high street business in the UK.
WHSmith previously used three in-house distribution centres in Swindon, Birmingham and Dunstable for its 1,100 stores across the UK.
The new agreement means all three of these distribution centres and its 440 staff will transfer to GXO. The logistics partner will operate the end-to-end supply of WHSmith’s retail business.
The retailer has also recently assigned its transport operations to GXO with the aim of optimising transport planning for WHSmith’s core distribution network and utilising its shared-user transport abilities to give full coverage for stores. This will take effect from February 2024.
WHSmith supply chain director Sean Feeney said: “WHSmith’s growth as a global travel retailer is accelerating and we need a supply chain that can match this and support our future plans.”
“We are pleased to have appointed GXO as our UK logistics provider to work with us in creating a modern and efficient supply chain which delivers for our UK businesses and customers.”
GXO managing director for UK and Ireland Gavin Williams added: “We’re delighted to partner with WHSmith to deliver end-to-end supply chain management as part of its network modernisation.
“With our extensive retail warehousing and transportation expertise, as well as our technology-driven commitment to continuous improvement, we’re perfectly positioned to support WHSmith’s growth plans.”
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