The Customer
Founded as part of the larger Asda family, George is a prominent UK-based clothing brand that caters to diverse consumer needs. With its growing online presence and high demand for affordable, high-quality apparel, George faces the continuous challenge of managing extensive inventory and returns, particularly during busy shopping periods such as the holiday season.
The Challenge
George's rapid expansion, coupled with high return volumes and increasing customer expectations, presented several operational challenges:
- Returns Burden: Managing returns during peak seasons strained warehouse operations and delayed getting products back into inventory.
- Fulfillment Efficiency: The need for faster order picking and processing across the warehouse.
- Storage Optimization: Limited storage capabilities made it difficult to manage fluctuating SKU volumes efficiently.
- Labor Demands: Dependence on manual processes increased costs and led to inefficiencies.
Our Solution
To address these challenges, George collaborated with Geek+ and AMH Material Handling to implement an advanced customized goods-to-person returns system, featuring:
- 4-Sided Rack Design: Geek+ deployed its P800 returns solution, which allows workers to perform both picking and put-away tasks simultaneously from any open rack slot.
- Intelligent Automation: The solution automated processes for returning items to inventory, significantly reducing handling time.
- Optimized Storage Locations: By using fewer racks effectively, the solution increased storage location availability while maintaining capacity for 700 SKUs and 7,200 units daily.
- User-Friendly Operations: Designed with worker ergonomics in mind, the system improved ease of use and operational flow for staff.
The Geekplus impact
The implementation delivered measurable results for George, including the following benefits:
- Faster Returns Processing: Returned items were stocked back in inventory on the same day, improving product availability during high-demand periods.
- Higher Fulfillment Rates: Automated picking and put-away capabilities enhanced speed and ensured operational efficiency during peak seasons.
- Optimized Warehouse Utilization: The streamlined storage system allowed George to maximize space and minimize disruptions caused by high stock volumes.
- Enhanced Worker Experience: The ergonomic and intuitive system reduced manual workload, allowing staff to focus on higher-value tasks.
- Improved Customer Satisfaction: Faster order turnarounds ensured timely deliveries, elevating the overall shopping experience.
“I’m delighted to see this project go live, supporting the growth of our George.com business. The collaboration between internal teams, AMH, and Geek+ has resulted in a high-quality solution that enhances the colleague experience and significantly improves operational effectiveness.”
Chris Hall, Vice President, Asda Logistics Services
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