Distribution Centre
This coverage explores developments in distribution centres and their role within UK retail supply chains. Reporting highlights openings, closures, automation investments, workforce strategies, and logistics innovations shaping how goods move from suppliers to stores and customers. With a focus on operational efficiency and strategic planning, the insights support retail managers and executives navigating supply chain challenges and growth opportunities.
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Apr- 2021 -21 AprilNews
Argos to close Somerset depot, 230 jobs at risk
Around 230 jobs are reportedly at risk following the planned closure of an Argos distribution site in Bridgewater, Somerset. A Sainsbury’s spokesperson told Retail Sector: “Last year we shared plans to accelerate the integration of the Sainsbury’s and Argos logistics networks and confirmed a number of our existing depots would…
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20 AprilOnline & Digital
M&S boosts online capacity through new warehouse
M&S has announced that work has begun on its Bradford Distribution Centre, which is set to become a second online warehouse for M&S.com in efforts to increase its online capacity. The reengineering of the group’s supply chain, including the extension of the Bradford warehouse, is an “important enabler” to M&S’s…
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20 AprilAdvice
How retailers can ensure frictionless trade despite Brexit paperwork boom
Despite the promises, both anecdotal and data-backed evidence suggests that the UK’s transition out of the European Union has not been as smoothed as hoped. Official government figures state that exports of goods to the EU fell by 40% in January 2021, with imports dropping 29%. The Federation of Small…
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Mar- 2021 -26 MarchSupermarkets
Court rules against Asda in equal pay case
The Supreme Court has ruled that Asda’s shop floor staff can be compared to workers in the supermarket’s distribution centre for the purposes of their equal pay claim. Back in January 2019, the Court of Action also ruled that GMB members could compare themselves in this fashion, upholding the rulings…
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Feb- 2021 -24 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
Gap battles landlords in bid to shutter stores
Gap is reportedly battling its landlords ahead of plans to “hand back the keys” to all its UK stores this July, according to the Times. The group first announced it was considering the possible closures of company-operated stores in the UK, France, Ireland and Italy at the end of Q2…
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23 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
GMB slams Arcadia collapse scandal
GMB has criticised the “scandal” regarding the collapse of retail group Arcadia, revealing that the taxpayer will have to pay out the redundancy packages of sacked employees. The union also took aim at administrators Deloitte for “making millions” for their services during the sale of Phillip Green’s former retail empire.…
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17 FebruarySupermarkets
Sainsbury’s distribution centre acquired for £139m
Sainsbury’s distribution unit in Hams Hall has been acquired by Aviva Investors for £139m. The distribution centre which is on a 25-year lease with the grocer comprises 783,000 sq ft of floor space spanning over 50 acres. The site has three structures; a main building which provides “ambient and chilled”…
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10 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
JD Sports eyes EU warehouse amid ‘worse than feared’ Brexit impact
Peter Cowgill, the chairman of JD Sports has revealed the company is considering opening a new distribution centre in the EU to overcome some of the challenges caused by the UK leaving the EU. Speaking to the BBC, Cowgill said the current impact of Brexit for retailers has been “considerably…
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Jan- 2021 -28 JanuarySupermarkets
Lidl swings to £13.6m after tax loss
Lidl has reported losses after tax of £13.6m for the year ending in February 2020, following the group’s heavy investment into growing its workforce and store estate. It comes as the discount retailer reported revenues of £6.9bn as it attracted a new found customer base. Nonetheless, the slump comes as…
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14 JanuaryHigh Street
Administrators finalise sale of Bonmarche
The joint administrators of Bonmarche have announced the completed sale of the company to Purepay Retail Limited, which is backed by an international investor consortium for an undisclosed amount. Damian Webb and Gordon Thomson, partners at the accountancy firm RSM, were appointed joint administrators to the company on 30 November…
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