Lewis notes . “ Elsewhere , our biggest third-party client is Saint-Gobain , which owns businesses such as glass companies and Graham heating and plumbing . For this customer alone we have over 9,500 bespoke SKUs .”

Staples may be known for its retail business but the firm is quickly making waves in the logistics sphere . This is partly thanks to its tech-savvy operations and global experience , but also its successful strategic partnerships . “ We work with last-mile partners including TNT Fed Ex Group and Pallex . Both partnerships offer

bespoke , tailored solutions exclusively for Staples ,” says Lewis . This strong sense of collaboration can also be seen within the company too . By paying competitive , living wages rather than a minimum wage and investing in its team , Staples has worked hard to build a dynamic logistics business . “ In the past , we relied on agency workers and temporary labourers , whereas now it ’ s predominantly a permanently employed workforce ,” says Lewis . “ There are fewer absences , more efficiency and a lower turnover of people because we ’ re investing in our team .”

With this strategy in mind , Staples is ready to continue on its upward trajectory , running more and more supply chains on behalf of customers . “ Staples may have sold its retail business in the UK , but we ’ re very much thriving in terms of e-commerce and third-party logistics ,” affirms Lewis .

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europe . businesschief . com