Autumn 2009

Sainsbury's made its high-profile leap into non-food online sales during the summer – a development that came soon after we closed for press with the last issue of F&E.

At launch time the company was offering 4,500 product lines, and the figure was due to rise to 8,000 by early autumn. Significantly, it is reported that two thirds of items on sale were not available in the retailer's bricks and mortar stores.

Home delivery fulfilment is being handled by a range of contractors. iForce is running the 250,000 sq ft depot in Corby, Northamptonshire, where it is handling fulfilment and returns, plus normal retail returns processing of non-food goods. It claims that this combination of services is a first in the market.

Home Delivery Network is the primary parcels carrier for the operation, and is using its 24- and 48-hour delivery services, as well as optional Saturday deliveries.

 

CEVA Logistics is providing a nationwide two-man white glove home delivery service.

CEVA will be collecting the majority of orders collected from Corby and transporting them to its Northampton distribution centre for onward delivery. Some products are being be made to order, collected from manufacturers and delivered direct to customers' homes.

Separately, Sainsbury's has chosen Unipart Group to handle non-food fulfilment for its store operations. This contract will be run from a new 377,000 sq ft facility in Tamworth, Staffordshire, initially using a 350-strong workforce.