Sephora Names New Supply Chain Partner
21st August 2024
Sephora UK has announced a new logistics partnership as part of its growth strategy, selecting DHL Supply Chain as its lead supply chain provider for the next five years. DHL will manage Sephora’s warehousing, eCommerce fulfillment, and UK transport network, supporting the beauty giant’s ambitious retail expansion plans.
Advanced Distribution Hub to Drive Growth
A key feature of this collaboration is the launch of a state-of-the-art omni-channel Distribution Centre (DC) in Coventry. The facility, entirely powered by renewable electricity, is DHL’s first operationally carbon-neutral site in the UK, marking a significant milestone in Sephora’s sustainability journey. The Coventry DC is also one of DHL’s most sustainable sites in Europe, setting new standards in green energy and employee well-being.
Tailored Supply Chain Solutions for Seamless Operations
The new facility integrates sustainable, recycled, and natural materials throughout its design, ensuring a positive working environment for employees while seamlessly supporting Sephora’s omni-channel operations.
Throughout the partnership, Sephora and DHL have worked closely to design a logistics operation that aligns with Sephora’s expansion plans in the UK beauty market. Leveraging DHL’s expertise in the beauty sector, tailored solutions have been developed to optimize efficiency, including the use of pick-assisting robots to manage fluctuating demand while maintaining high quality control. Each order is processed quickly and efficiently with minimal handling to preserve product integrity.
DHL’s eCommerce fulfillment capabilities will enable Sephora to offer later cut-off times, improved product availability, and a more responsive supply chain ready to meet peaks in demand driven by marketing campaigns and influencer promotions.
Sarah Boyd, UK Managing Director for Sephora, expressed her excitement about the partnership: “We are delighted to be working with DHL. The UK is a really important growth market for our business and one with huge potential. The transition to this state-of-the-art facility is a pivotal project that underpins our UK expansion. It is critical to us that we ensure our growth is sustainable, as we reduce our carbon footprint and provide an excellent working environment for our teams in the warehouse.”
Natalie Frow, Managing Director for eCommerce & Retail at DHL Supply Chain, added: “Sephora’s relaunch was a major moment for UK retail, and the iconic brand has made a huge impact in a short space of time. Our team is delighted to be working with a business so open to collaboration and innovation, that shares our values for driving sustainable logistics and being a great place to work. We’re proud to be supporting Sephora on its expansion journey and helping the business shape the UK beauty industry.”
This partnership and the advanced distribution centre highlight Sephora’s strategy to establish itself as a leader in the UK beauty market while prioritizing sustainability and innovative supply chain solutions.