Wincanton has launched a new service for Marks & Spencer to enhance the existing three-year contract covering the warehousing and delivery of M&S non-merchandise equipment. Store managers can now order fittings and equipment online, streamlining administration procedures for over 400 stores.
Since September 2003, Wincanton has managed a new 100,000 sq.ft site in Fradley, Staffordshire, operating under the banner of its specialist Store Development Services division (WSDS). In terms of the contract, which is Wincanton's first ever with Marks & Spencer, Wincanton manages the delivery of shelving, gondolas, cash desks and wrapping to stores nationwide, operating a dedicated fleet of 29 vehicles and using an outbase in Mossend to manage Scottish deliveries.
Wincanton's ability to manage fluctuations in demand is vital. Steve Clark, Head of Equipment at M&S said: “The successful installation of non-merchandise equipment can make a dramatic difference to the turnover of our stores, because it enables us to create additional display space quickly. The administration of this process needs to be as simple as possible for our managers - particularly during seasonal peaks such as December and January. We chose to work with Wincanton, because additional services such as the helpdesk facility and online ordering were built in to the contract as standard, along with regular reviews to seek best practice at all times.”
The Fradley operation employs around 100 staff and is supported by outbases in Enfield, Bristol and Billingham, enabling Wincanton to offer a 24-hour delivery service to the retailer. An EXE warehouse management system has also been installed, with Radio Data Terminals for scan picking and goods receipt to maximise efficiency and volume throughput.
Commenting on the enhanced contract, Martin Taylor, managing director of Wincanton's Retail sector, said: “We expect to despatch over four million cases to M&S this year, but the importance of non-merchandising equipment within the retail supply chain is often underestimated.” He explained that, given its direct relation to sales, non-merchandising equipment is just as critical as the goods it is designed to display.
Taylor continued: “Our service has to be consistent and flexible to respond to managers' changing requirements. In December and January, for example, the focus moves away from display shelves to supplying extra shopping trolleys and carrier bags to deal with the huge surge in sales, so our online service will ensure that requests are actioned instantly.”
