THE WAREHOUSE GROUP
Chris Foord , Chief Logistics Officer at The Warehouse Group , discusses the supply chain and logistics strategies that are driving the company ’ s development into a true omnichannel retailer
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F ounded by Sir Stephen Tindall in 1982 , The Warehouse Group ( TWG ) has become New Zealand ’ s largest non-food retailer . Across its laudable brand portfolio – comprised of The Warehouse , Noel Leeming , Warehouse Stationery , Torpedo7 and 1-Day – the Group operates over 250 stores throughout New Zealand while working towards creating a true omnichannel retail experience . Chris Foord , Chief Logistics Officer at the company , is overseeing the ongoing evolution of its logistics and fulfilment functions ; a role whose industry-wide importance continues to become a recognised core element of any successful modern business .
“ Like many organisations , TWG has realised the competitive advantage of supply chain , from sourcing and distribution through to the store and the customer ,” says Foord . “ Rather than simply being a back-of-house transactional function , we are now seen as an efficient and effective supply chain that enables a competitive advantage in the wider organisation ’ s strategy .” Foord notes that this centralisation of the supply chain function within the overarching business strategy will become more entrenched as
JULY 2019