Clipper has acquired German logistics company Geist for an undisclosed sum in a move designed to expand its presence in the European multi-channel retail market.
Tony Mannix, managing director of Clipper said: “Through listening to our customers it is clear that European expansion and the ability to handle the growing demands for online international returns are key concerns for retailers.
“The development and launch of our Boomerang returns management solution and this further expansion in Germany are key elements of our strategic plan.”
Clipper reckons the UK is now the world’s leading country for e-commerce and a net-exporter of e-commerce goods, exporting £2.80 for every £1 imported. The need for an efficient returns management solution is implicit to UK exporters and retailers alike.
It already has business and property interests in Germany and has identified Europe as a major avenue for growth in the retail logistics market. It now operates from six sites in Germany. The former Geist management team, have all been accommodated within Clipper’s German operation.
In the UK over 12 per cent of all purchasing taking place online. However, major EU countries such as Germany, Italy and France are growing online sales fast and are hot on the heels of the UK.
Steve Parkin, chairman and founder of Clipper, said: “Returns are becoming an increasingly important consideration for retailers, as online sales have seen returns reach levels of 40 per cent. No retailer wants items returned, but when it does inevitably happen, for whatever reason, it’s vital to get stock checked and back into the inventory as soon as possible. This is another important step for Clipper and signals our intentions to be an internationally renowned name in retail logistics.”
