Thanks to its new distribution centre, HEMA will be able to process substantially more online orders in the coming years. The location offers the retailer numerous e-commerce opportunities.
This was stated by HEMA today when it announced its quarterly results. In the third quarter of 2018, the retail chain's net sales fell 1.2 per cent year-on-year to 304.4 million euros. Profits also fell sharply, to 2.7 million euros. In the third quarter of 2017, profits still stood at 4.6 million euros.
Hot weather and transition to new DC
HEMA blames the disappointing results on the continuing hot weather and the phased transition to the new distribution centre, where the retail chain's online orders have been processed since a few months. The retail chain says it has taken 'significant steps' by putting the e-dc into operation. This will enable HEMA to process more online orders in the coming years.
'Growth strategy is paying off'
According to CEO Tjeerd Jegen, the transition to colder weather in the fourth quarter led to an immediate improvement in sales performance. “Excluding these temporary
effects, we can see that our growth strategy is delivering results. That is why we remain focused
on improving our market position in our core markets of the Netherlands and Belgium, e-
commerce and accelerating our international expansion.”
Farewell to logistics director HEMA
Last month, HEMA said goodbye to logistics director Adrian Porteous. The retailer was acquired at the end of October by Ramphastos Investments, the investment company of entrepreneur Marcel Boekhoorn. The new owner decided to send four of the eight board members home. With this adjustment, Boekhoorn hopes to simplify the structure and operate more decisively.
