John Lewis to open new distribution centre in Milton Keynes
John Lewis has unveiled plans to open a new distribution centre in Milton Keynes to support the growth of its omnichannel business.
The retailer has signed a 25-year lease on the 638,000 square foot warehouse which will complement its existing distribution centre at Magna Park and the adjacent Magna Park 2. The new facility is expected to be fully operational in 2016.
The move is part of the retailer’s plans to improve productivity, availability and customer service and will also support its expansion plans.
The Milton Keynes site will be responsible for large furniture and electricals and home furnishings, while the Magna Park operations will handle smaller products such as iPads and accessories and hanging garments respectively.
John Lewis staff at four of its existing sites have received a proposal to relocate to either the new distribution centre or to another of the retailer’s operations in Milton Keynes. This includes 239 employees at three Milton Keynes sites, eight staff from Stevenage and 37 employees from Carlisle. Each of the employees will be offered a role at the new site or at other operations in Milton Keynes.
Dino Rocos, operations director at John Lewis, said: “As customers shopping habits evolve so too does our operational business model. The new DC will enable us to better respond, react and fulfil omnichannel shopping experiences be it via phone, tablet, desktop or visiting a shop.
“For the supply chain this means improving availability. Our new Milton Keynes DC will complement our two Magna Park sites and provide us with the space to continue to build on the improvements we have made in providing better service to our shops and customers.
“We recognise the high level of talent and valuable experience that currently exists with our Partners across the sites that we propose to relocate and every Partner will be guaranteed a new role at our new DC.”
