Logistics centre will help Kering meet global e-commerce demand
Luxury group Kering has announced that the second phase of a new global logistics hub it is building in northern Italy will be operation before the end of the second quarter of 2021.
Kering began operating the first phase of the new hub, which is in Trecate, 40 kilometres west of Milan, in March 2020. When the second phase is up and running, the facility will cover more than 160,000 square-metres.
From here, Kering will be able to distribute up to 80 million products per year and store up to 20 million.
The group has said the new, high-tech distribution centre will reduce lead times by 50% and so “enhance collaboration with brands”.
There are 250 people working at the distribution centre already and Kering has said this will increase to around 900 people by the end of 2022. Long-standing partner, XPO Logistics, will operate the site.
On making the announcement, Kering managing director, Jean-François Palus, said this investment showed the group’s commitment to Italy, but also indicated its determination to become “fully omnichannel”.
The Trecate logistics centre will help brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga fulfil demand from regional warehouses, retail stores and wholesalers, but it will also meet e-commerce orders from customers worldwide.
