The UK has always had a vigorous retail sector. But while there have always been new developments, rarely have the changes sweeping through the industry been as fundamental as those we are seeing now with the rapid growth of e-retailing. Currently, virtually any new retail start-up will be largely based on internet sales, and the large established retailers are developing their multichannel networks as fast as they can manage in order to stay ahead.

There are two main parts to e-retailing; a web front-end and a fulfilment system. And the fulfilment system is all about building an effective supply chain to serve the customer.

Retailing has always been a core sector for The Logistics Business. Our expertise in the field has developed over the last 20 years - supporting clients at the forefront of the industry.

In recent years The Logistics Business has played a key role in helping many of our clients develop facilities and systems to unerpin the e-fulfilment process. These clients include the largest household names in the UK, including Tesco Direct and Argos Direct, and also some small but fast growing start-ups such as M&M Direct, My Wardrobe and Hotter Shoes.

We have been successful because we have helped our clients build on the key features of e-fulfilment:

• Fast response
• Management of a large SKU range
• Large number of small orders to individual customers
• Demanding orderpicking solutions
• Precisely timed deliveries
• Return handling solutions integrated in the process
• High level of IT integration

Modern retailing is highly competitive and one of the most important battle grounds is supply chain optimisation. The Logistics Business provides the required depth of knowledge and expertise.