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