DHL Supply Chain says it has launched a new service that will enable UK-based retailers to grow their online presence by extending their range of large items such as furniture, without investing in additional stockholding.
According to DHL, the Supplier Direct Fulfilment (SDF) service will give retailers the ability to offer consumers the same home delivery options for additional ranges from other suppliers as they do for their own stock, ensuring a seamless brand experience.
To achieve this, retailers and their third-party suppliers are integrated into DHL’s large item home delivery network, based out of a dedicated cross-dock hub in the UK’s Midlands, which DHL says enables consistent order management and consumer communication systems, including SMS messaging and self-serve redelivery booking arrangements.
DHL says that the service has already been adopted by one major high-street and online retailer and is now available to other customers using DHL’s large item network as well as the wider retail market.
Natalie Frow, VP operations for DHL’s large home delivery arm, said, “As retailers increasingly look to reach new audiences with expanded ranges and brand tie-ups, challenges can arise in terms of either carrying high volumes of additional stock or joining up fulfilment systems. Through our new SDF service, retailers can offer one consistent home delivery offering for all their suppliers. This solution also takes the fulfilment headache away from the range provider, which in many cases are smaller brands.”