Spring 2008

Fortnum & Mason has contracted out some of its logistics functions for the first time ever in an unusual deal that sees an e-commerce specialist, iForce, taking the lead in an operation that also includes bricks-and-mortar store deliveries.

At the heart of the operation is the e-fulfilment of products ordered on Fortnum & Mason's retail web site, which has been redeveloped to coincide with the company's 300th anniversary.

The operation is being run from iForce's south-west London site, from where it is processing, picking and packing customer orders for Fortnum & Mason's luxury grocery products, which include conserves, chocolates and biscuits. iForce is also providing fulfilment for gifts including teas, wine and champagne.

The unusual aspect of the contract is that iForce is also handling replenishment of grocery products and hampers to Fortnum & Mason's flagship Piccadilly store. Previously the retailer used the basement of the store for warehousing stock and packing orders.

 

Ian Weston, Fortnum & Mason's supply chain director, says a key feature of the iForce proposition was the convenient location of its London base, which is at East Molesey in Surrey. 'This was very attractive in terms of getting stock to Piccadilly,' he says, adding: 'We expect our business to grow significantly with iForce as we further outsource other key areas of store replenishment from Piccadilly.'