Leading toy retailer selects outsourcing supplier to provide transport solutions in time for key trading period

Leading toy retailer selects outsourcing supplier to provide transport solutions in time for key trading period

Smyths Toys has been busy putting supply chain plans in place now to secure a successful Christmas trading period.

Streamlining store distribution

Part of the toy retailer’s strategy is to ensure the smooth and efficient distribution of its products to its 39 stores spread throughout the UK.

In order to maximise those all-important sales in the run-up to Christmas, Smyths Toys Superstores has awarded a minimum one-year transport contract to UK supply chain services provider Wincanton in order to meet its peak delivery requirements.

Wincanton will manage the distribution from Smyths Toys Superstores’ warehouse in Newcastle-under-Lyme, transporting up to 250 store deliveries a week – of anything from toys to bikes – to its stores across mainland UK.

Scale and flexibility prove decisive

Wincanton reported that “its scale and flexibility” was instrumental in its success winning the contract and it will operate the contract via its northern regional transport centre network, using its shared-user fleet of vehicles.

Tom Stratford, commercial director at Smyths Toys, said: “When we began to look for a logistics partner we had a clear vision that we needed a provider with the scale and flexibility to meet our busy peak periods, such as the run up to Christmas, to achieve maximum sales potential.”