LONDON: August 06, 2018. Shoe manufacturer Clarks and DSV have teamed up over the development of a 10,000 sq.mt. distribution centre. Focused on Clarks' European operations, the centre will be developed at DSV's existing site in Krefield, Germany - with DSV also responsible for operating the facility.

The distribution centre becomes fully operational to support customer orders from across Europe for Spring-Summer 2020 and will be serving traditional retail, wholesale as well as online channels, offering greater speed and flexibility of service to the region supporting Clarks’ growth strategy in Europe.

Brian Ejsing, CEO of DSV’s Solutions division commented: “We are very pleased that Clarks has entrusted DSV with this pivotal role in their supply chain. I’m confident our extensive omnichannel warehousing and distribution experience in the shoe and apparel industry will put Clarks in an excellent position to grow their European business.”

Ben Fletcher, President of the Europe region for Clarks explained: “This is very positive news for Clarks. Our inventory has to be geographically closer to our focus markets on the mainland if we are to compete on delivery lead times. And of course, our delivery service proposition needs to come at a price that is cost-effective for consumers. The new European distribution centre will be a key enabler to unlocking growth across our digital and wholesale channels.”

Alexia Evans, Regional Supply Chain Director for Clarks in Europe added: “Having visited the Krefeld site and spending time with the team there, we’re very excited about this partnership and confident that it will drive long-term value for Clarks. Our customers want greater choice in the shoes they buy and the channels they use to buy them, and they have come to expect their shoes as quickly as possible. Opening a distribution centre in central Europe will help us to meet this need as we compete across the European region.”