Clarks to open distribution centre in Germany

By

Rüdiger Oberschür

Translated by
Barbara Santamaria

Published
Aug 21, 2018

British-based footwear brand Clarks is opening its first logistics centre in continental Europe in Krefeld, Germany. Spreading over 10,000 sq mts, the site will be managed by logistics specialist DSV from its existing offices in Krefeld.

The distribution centre is expected to be fully operational by 2020 to support customer orders from across Europe and serve the brand’s retail, wholesale and online channels. The move will help Clarks offer faster and more flexible customer service in the region as part of its growth strategy in Europe.

Brian Ejsing, CEO of the DSV business unit, commented: “We are very pleased that Clarks has entrusted DSV with this pivotal role in their supply chain. I’m confident our extensive omnichannel warehousing and distribution experience in the shoe and apparel industry will put Clarks in an excellent position to grow their European business.”

“This is very positive news for Clarks. Our inventory has to be geographically closer to our focus markets on the mainland if we are to compete on delivery lead times. And of course, our delivery service proposition needs to come at a price that is cost-effective for consumers. The new European distribution centre will be a key enabler to unlocking growth across our digital and wholesale channels,” added Ben Fletcher, Clarks president for Europe.

Alexia Evans, Regional Supply Chain director at Clarks, said: “Having visited the Krefeld site and spending time with the team there, we’re very excited about this partnership and confident that it will drive long-term value for Clarks.Our customers want greater choice in the shoes they buy and the channels they use to buy them, and they have come to expect their shoes as quickly as possible. Opening a distribution centre in central Europe will help us to meet this need as we compete across the European region.”

Krefeld is a strategic location for the British brand, being close to three major international airports and with quick motorway access to The Netherlands, Belgium and France.