Online electrical retailer AO has expanded its supply chain network with the opening of a new depot in Gravesend, Kent.
The retailer has taken a 1.2 acre site in Lower Road which it will operate as an ‘outbase’ to be supplied by the main distribution centres allowing AO to operate its next day delivery service.
The new site will be the 18th depot in AO’s network, with the target of delivery coverage no more than one hour away from customers.
The company said: “Expanding our logistics network is a key step in AO’s growth strategy, following the opening of two new distribution warehouses in Crewe and Stafford earlier this year.
David Ashwell, managing director of AO Logistics, said: “We’ve been quick to adapt to meet increased customer demand and we’re now investing in growing our logistics capacity so that we continue serving customers when they need us in future.”
“The new depot is in the ideal location to support our growth as a business – we’ll be closer to our customers in Kent and have even more distribution space available. We’re doubling down on our expertise and infrastructure to make sure that we’re in a great position to keep serving customers brilliantly as we move out of lockdown.”
AO acquired the two-person delivery company, formerly Expert Logistics, in 2009 and it now offers next day delivery to every UK postcode seven days a week on its range of 12,000 electrical products.
Only this month said it had ramped up its recruitment drive with the creation of 650 new jobs across the UK in its retail, mobile, tech, financial services and logistics divisions.
AO founder and chief executive John Roberts, said: “AO went into Covid-19 fit and focused on the future. The pandemic accelerated a shift in customer behaviour towards online shopping – we saw five years’ change in five weeks.”
