Roots Moving to New Integrated Distribution Centre to Support Accelerated Long-Term Growth
Expected to be fully-operational in mid-2019, the new GTA-based facility will serve as a single point of fulfillment for retail stores and e-Commerce
TORONTO, May 16, 2018 /CNW/ - Roots ("Roots Canada" or the "Company") (TSX: ROOT), an iconic lifestyle brand with a rich Canadian heritage, today announced it plans to move to a new 209,000 square foot multi-channel distribution centre ("DC") to support the Company's accelerated long-term growth and drive operating efficiencies.
"Moving from our current 60-year-old DC and bringing our retail and e-Commerce fulfillment into a single Roots-operated facility is an important step in driving long-term growth and efficiencies within our business," said Jim Gabel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Roots. "We are significantly increasing our capacity to better support our expanding North American retail footprint and growing e-Commerce business. With one DC for our direct-to-consumer channels and a new warehouse management technology platform, we are confident we will lower our cost per unit for shipping and reduce delivery times to our consumers and stores. Further, as a company with a rich Canadian heritage, we are excited to be investing in our local community and creating new job opportunities."
Roots currently operates its own DC for its retail store operations and uses a third-party for its e-Commerce fulfillment. With the new DC, Roots will integrate these two existing distribution operations, which have distinct inventories, into a single technology-enabled facility. This positions the Company to further enhance its seamless omni-channel shopping experience. The new DC will be supported by a tier one Warehouse Management System, as well as enhanced technology and increased levels of automation, all of which is expected to improve speed, productivity and throughput at the DC.
The lease for Roots new DC commences in August 2018, with the expectation that the facility will be fully up and running by mid-2019. The new facility is approximately double the size of Roots existing DC, includes more than six times the number of shipping/receiving docks and has double the ceiling height to accommodate more rack space.
About Roots
Established in 1973, Roots is an iconic lifestyle brand with a rich Canadian heritage and portfolio of premium apparel, leather goods, accessories and footwear. Roots delivers products to customers through its store network, online platform and international partnerships. As of February 3, 2018, Roots integrated omni-channel footprint included 116 company retail stores in Canada, three company retail stores in the United States, 110 partner-operated stores in Taiwan, 32 partner-operated stores in China and a global e-commerce platform. Roots Corporation is a Canadian corporation doing business as "Roots" and "Roots Canada".
Forward-Looking Information
Certain information in this press release contains forward-looking information. This information is based on management's reasonable assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to us and are made as of the date of this press release. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors. Information regarding our expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which we operate is forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances. Many factors could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements or future events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
See "Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form for the Fiscal year ended February 3, 2018 for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements. Readers are urged to consider the uncertainties, risks and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. We have no intention and undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities law.
SOURCE Roots Corporation
Investor Relations: Kristen Davies, [email protected], 416-781-3574 Ext. 4116; Public Relations: Elyse Goody, [email protected], 416-781-3574 Ext. 4332
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