Fast-growing British online fashion and beauty retailer ASOS has signed up Kerry Logistics toprovide warehousing and delivery services in China as it targets the country’s booming e-commerce
market.Kerry Logistics said it will be supporting ASOS’ e-commerce platform in Shanghai, andmanaging freight from the British retailer’s UK global hub into China. ASOS is due to launch aChinese-language version of its web site and open a flagship store in Shanghai imminently.
The China launch is a major part of the British firm’s aim of reaching sales of £1 billion inthe current financial year. Last month ASOS announced a 40 per cent rise in sales to £754 millionand a 23 per cent increase in profit before tax and exceptional items to £54.7 million for the yearending August 31, 2013. International sales account for 63 per cent of revenues. ASOS currently hassome seven million active customers and delivers to 190 countries worldwide.
“We went through an extensive process before selecting Kerry Logistics as our fulfillmentpartner in China,” said Mark Holland, Supply Chain Director, ASOS.com. “All the way through theydemonstrated their ability to support our strategic goals and their willingness to work at pace todeliver the ASOS brand in China. Their reputation and local knowledge in China made this an easydecision. I’m delighted at the prospect of working with the Kerry Logistics team.”
Kerry Logistics will be operating more than 6,300 sqm of warehousing for ASOS, providingimport agency services, managing import customs brokerage and providing domestic e-fulfillment.Value-added services will range from re-conditioning of consumer returns to product localisation.
“We are delighted to be working with the ASOS team and to be part of their excitinginternational growth as they launch into China this year,” said Gary Wilcock, Managing Director –Europe, Kerry Logistics.
ASOS.com was launched in 2000, and offers over 50,000 branded and own-label product linesacross womenswear, menswear, footwear, accessories, jewellery, and beauty. The on-line retailer,which already delivers to 190 countries across the globe, will initially offer around 10 per centof its current stock to the Chinese market.
