Spring 2007

Clipper Logistics Group has created a dedicated internet fulfilment service called Eclipper, building on various contracts it already has in place in this sector.

It says Eclipper will complement what it describes as the traditional store replenishment logistics services already offered within the group. The organisation's flagship internet fulfilment customer is Woolworth's Group, for which it provides a range of logistics management services.

The operation includes order picking and next-day delivery for a wide range of goods ordered through the Woolworth's multi-channel retail operation nationwide, along with returns management. Three warehouses are involved, including a 110 sq ft base run by Clipper in Nottinghamshire. (The operation was described in more detail in the last Fulfilment & e.logistics.) Other e-fulfilment clients include Principles, Peopletree and Warehouse.

Clipper acknowledges that e-fulfilment is more manpower-intensive and demanding than traditional logistics, and requires different skills sets. It says picking in bulk has been replaced with picking on the basis of individual SKUs (stock-keeping units).

Home delivery is handled by express carrier Parceline under a sub-contracting arrangement, and Clipper has worked with leading software developer RedPrairie to create a specialised back-office IT support system for the fulfilment service. According to Clipper Logistics Group development director Tim Robinson: 'We have the access to call centres, back office IT and home delivery networks to enable us to offer retailers a one-stop-shop solution.'

Clipper has been growing steadily in recent years, having acquired subsidiaries such as DTS, the clothing logistics specialist, and Gagewell, a leading specialist in tobacco, alcohol and high-security logistics. It now has 23 distribution centres around the UK, along with 600 vehicles, 2,000 employees and 2.5 million sq ft of warehousing.