John Lewis joint venture to ‘revolutionise’ click and collect
A “GROUNDBREAKING” joint venture has been launched between Leeds’ Clipper Logistics and retailer John Lewis.
The new company will provide multi-user click and collect services after Clipper pitched the idea of next-day delivery into high street stores.
The companies will be investing an initial £3.4m in the business, with a further £500,000 in the first two years should it be required.
John Lewis, which has recently opened its £37m store at the Victoria Gate development in Leeds city centre, is partnering with e-fulfillment specialist Clipper on the deal which aims to address the need for retailer-friendly next-day delivery.
The service will be operated by Clipper with John Lewis providing expertise and insight into the retail market and acting as a main customer.
A first phase trial was started in the latter part of 2015, providing click and collect services into 120 Waitrose stores, before being expanded into 300 nationwide.
The JV formalises the collaboration between John Lewis and Clipper first announced on 24 July 2015.
Under the terms of the agreement, funding will be provided on a 50/50 basis by John Lewis and Clipper, and profits will be shared between the parties on the same basis.
Steve Parkin, executive chairman of Clipper, said: “This is a truly ground-breaking development which will revolutionise the provision of Click & Collect services to the High Street in Britain.
“We are delighted to have worked closely with our partners, John Lewis, to research and develop this unique service proposition which will address directly the challenges posed to retailers in this rapidly growing area of activity.
“The service is another demonstration of Clipper’s ability to rapidly solve challenges posed to retailers, using our unparalleled understanding of the retail sector”
Dino Rocos, operations director of John Lewis, added: “Click & Collect continues to be our fastest-growing delivery channel, with deliveries to Waitrose making up the majority of those sales.
“This joint venture will provide a much more tailored service so that Click & Collect orders which reach Waitrose branches are handled in a more efficient way. It will enable us to continue to give an outstanding service to our customers, who love this easy and convenient delivery option.”
Squire Patton Boggs’ corporate team advised Clipper on the deal, led by corporate partner Hannah Kendrick, assisted by Alastair Purssell.
