‘White Glove’ Logistics Provider Signs with Iconic Retailer Habitat

Two-man, white-glove delivery specialist Panther Warehousing has signed a two-year contract with iconic UK home furnishings brand Habitat. The companies have already been working together for the past two years.

Based in Northampton, Panther will continue to deliver bulky furniture such as sofas and beds for Habitat to customers seven days a week.

The partnership was forged in the wake of Habitat, founded in the swinging Sixties by style guru Sir Terence Conran, being bought by Sainsbury’s.

Habitat has been a by-word for original, affordable home furnishings for more than 50 years. Over 85% of customers now shop with the brand online at www.habitat.co.uk, but the store also has five standalone stores – in Westfield London, Tottenham Court Road, London, Finchley Road, London, Leeds and Brighton – as well as a network of Mini-Habitat stores within Sainsbury’s stores across the UK.

Delivering a best in class service is paramount to both Panther and Habitat and as such the two teams collaborate closely holding monthly meetings to monitor KPI’s, ensure a process of continuous improvement and discuss the introduction of new services.

Panther delivers all Habitat orders weighing more than 31 kilograms or are bulky enough to require two-man delivery. Customers can nominate a date of delivery that is convenient to them and book online.

Customers are kept in the loop, with a confirmatory text message the day before delivery and on the day, they will be advised of a two-hour delivery slot and told which number they are on their delivery team’s schedule for the day.

A track and trace system will also enable them to see where the delivery van is on its route shown on a map of their area. Crews will undertake soft assembly such as connecting corner sofas.