Williams-Sonoma preps for UK debut
By Retail Technology | Wednesday December 4 2013
US homewares retailer chooses UK supply chain provider for warehousing, store delivery and furniture home delivery services in advance of launch
Williams-Sonoma, the American speciality homewares has chosen Wincanton to be a supply chain partner for the company's debut into the UK market.
The retailer, which operates 590 stores in the US, Canada and Australia, will open its first European store on Tottenham Court Road in London this month under its West Elm brand.
Wincanton will provide warehousing facilities at its site in West Thurrock, Essex and will also deliver products, including furniture and accessories, to the West Elm London store.
Bespoke multichannel services
In addition, Williams-Sonoma will use Wincanton's award winning 'white glove,' two-man furniture home delivery and assembly service on a UK-wide basis.
"It's important as we expand internationally to continue to offer the high level of customer service that our brands are known for," said Dean Miller, Williams-Sonoma chief supply chain officer.
"For our UK launch we need a supply chain partner that shares our values and can be trusted to deliver operational excellence."
The multi-billion dollar US retailer revealed earlier this year how its adoption of NetSuite business management software had helped support rapid international growth.
