Joe Browns invests £2 million in warehouse upgrade

Joe Browns, the fashion and lifestyle retailer, is set to invest £2 million in a warehouse upgrade that is designed to support its growth ambitions and increase pick face efficiency.

Its existing warehouse, that forms part of its head office building in Holbeck, Leeds, was extended in November 2020 at a cost of £1.5 million. The new upgrade, previously teased on TheIndustry.fashion's podcast, is a key part of "future proofing the logistics element of the business".

The upgrade will see the installation of a 110m conveyor system and racking that will build on Joe Browns existing pick face efficiency. It will allow deliveries into the depot to be picked directly on arrival (doubling handling replenishment capacity) and further reducing delivery times to customers and third party partners who have a direct despatch agreement with the retailer.

At the same time enhanced tracking technology included within the project cost will also further improve Joe Browns scan and pick efficiencies.

Work will commence on the warehouse upgrade in three week and will be functional by Q3. The existing operation within will function throughout the works.

Darren Abbott, Finance Director, Joe Browns, commented: “As well as remarkable stand-out product, with a Joe Browns point of difference, a customer centric approach is central to our growth ambitions both directly and through third party partners.

“Getting product there in the most effective and efficient way is key to this. We’ve already outgrown our earlier warehouse extension and this investment will ensure an even more efficient scan and pick capacity as we continue to grow.”

Over the course of the last year the retailer announced a newly created role of CEO with Peter Alecock joining from JD Sports, further extensions to its home and fashion offers, and an evolution of its brand look.