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The final mile of the supply chain is an area that has received a huge amount of attention, largely because it’s one of the most expensive and difficult parts of the operation.
The final mile of the supply chain is an area that has received a huge amount of attention, largely because it’s one of the most expensive and difficult parts of the operation.
As a result, innovation is coming thick and fast. The latest news this week was the announcement of a 300-strong chain of stores called Doddle, the result of a tie up between Network Rail and Travelex founder Lloyd Dorfman.
The stores will be in high footfall locations with a focus on train stations, and some will have changing rooms. It’s hard to imagine these not taking off among shoppers who live in cities, who will no doubt appreciate a service that is designed around their day, rather than having to trek to a Post Office.
The service is the latest in a line of innovative delivery ideas – some of these have come from retailers, and others from suppliers who are working hard to up the ante. It’s a crucial part of creating the sort of customer experience that every retailer is trying to achieve. This needs to be designed around the consumer and what makes things more convenient or a better experience for her, and this often doesn’t mean home delivery.
The delivery sector is in such a state of flux that it’s impossible to know what will end up being the services that have longevity. But shoppers have made it clear click and collect suits them, suggesting that non-traditional delivery services might soon be more popular than delivering to the home.
- Rebecca Thomson is insight editor at Retail Week
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