Newsletter 41

High-street retailers that have not previously been strong in the online sector are among the primary targets of a new e-fulfilment service launched in the UK by DHL. The company says it can help users to create an e-commerce capability “from a standing start” within just eight weeks.

A high-street DIY brand is already said to be in advanced negotiations with the company about using the new service, and home delivery development director Nigel Spooner says confident others are likely to follow.

The announcement of the service was linked to the launch of a new home delivery facility, which we understand is in Warrington. Here DHL will offer manpower, storage space, market-leading web store hosting systems from IBM WebSphere and Truition, and access to a customer contact centre.

DHL is already a major force in dedicated home delivery operations, but has not previously offered its services on a multi-user basis.

 

According to Nigel Spooner: “We are regularly approached by businesses – particularly brands operating in the clothing, DIY and the drinks industries – who are seeking to utilise our e-commerce expertise.”

Looking further down the track, with its Deutsche Post parentage and worldwide express and freight forwarding capability, DHL is uniquely positioned to offer e-commerce support to importers as well as retailers, and Nigel Spooner talks of developing a service that delivers “from the Far East to the front door”.

He adds: “If you can offer certainty, you can push the order point further back up the supply chain. This is not currently a well-served marketplace.”

* DHL Exel Supply Chain has been appointed to implement a new e-fulfilment warehousing solution for British Home Stores. The three-year, £3.6 million contract extends an existing DHL operation for the high street retailer and will involve handling over 150,000 customer orders each year.