John Lewis is investing in a new “cutting-edge supplier platform” designed to bring a wider range of brands to its customers.
The department store retailer stated that the move signals a “significant evolution” in how it works with suppliers, allowing it to be “more agile in response to customers for in-demand brands”.
The platform, powered by tech firm Mirakl, enables John Lewis to accelerate the listing and sale of new brands online and via its app. A direct-shipping model bypasses the need for the retailer to buy, store, and distribute stock, significantly cutting the time it takes to bring new products to market.
Rachel Morgans, Director of Fashion at John Lewis, said: “Our ambition is to be the definitive home for premium brands in the UK. This new platform is a huge step on that journey, giving us the agility to bring newness to our customers at speed.”
Footwear specialist Russell & Bromley is one of its first firms on the new system. It CEO Andrew Bromley commented: ”We’re thrilled to be partnering with John Lewis as we expand our carefully selected stockist portfolio across the UK & Ireland, and even more pleased to be part of their plans to enhance their already excellent customer experience.”
The development follows the recent strengthening of John Lewis’ omnichannel capability, which includes the rollout of ‘deliver from store’, where online orders are fulfilled from store stock, and a rapid delivery pilot with Uber Eats. Over twenty John Lewis stores are now part of the ‘deliver from store’ programme, which the company stated was resulting in increased product availability and sales.
Adrien Nussenbaum, co-founder and co-CEO of Mirakl, added: “In a highly competitive retail environment, customers want more choice and flexibility than ever. John Lewis is positioning itself for significant growth in the years ahead, maintaining its position as an iconic British retailer while also modernising and becoming more agile. They are giving customers access to an expanding range of curated brands and products through a retailer they trust, and we’re excited to partner with them.”
NAM Implications:
- Key is a direct-shipping model that bypasses the need for the retailer to buy, store, and distribute stock.
- A cost-effective way of adding to John Lewis’ online capability.
- This will make a difference…
