WHSmith switches to 3PL approach

WHSmith has over 1,100 stores across the UK in both travel and high street locations which were previously serviced by the retailer from three in-house distribution centres in Swindon, Birmingham and Dunstable.

Under the new agreement, all three of these distribution centres will transfer to GXO, which will operate the end-to-end supply of WHSmith’s UK retail businesses. All 440 colleagues who work in these three centres will transfer to GXO via the TUPE process. By partnering with GXO, WHSmith is aiming to establish a more efficient and effective supply chain.

WHSmith has also recently awarded its transport operations to GXO, starting from February 2024. GXO will be optimising the transport planning for WHSmith’s core distribution network as well as utilising its shared-user transport capabilities to provide full coverage for stores across the UK.

WHSmith supply chain director Sean Feeney, said: “WHSmith’s growth as a global travel retailer is accelerating and we need a supply chain which can match this and support our future plans. We are pleased to have appointed GXO as our UK logistics provider to work with us in creating a modern and efficient supply chain which delivers for our UK businesses and customers.”

Gavin Williams (pictured), managing director, UK and Ireland, GXO, added: “We’re delighted to partner with WHSmith to deliver end-to-end supply chain management as part of its network modernisation. With our extensive retail warehousing and transportation expertise, as well as our technology-driven commitment to continuous improvement, we’re perfectly positioned to support WHSmith’s growth plans.”