Italian Fashion retailer Calzedonia gives US logistics contract to PLG

As per the contract, PLG/WL will provide services for the Group's two largest brands—Calzedonia, which specialises in legwear and swimwear, and Intimissimi, a lingerie and knitwear business.

A major retail presence in Europe, Calzedonia and Intimissimi are still relatively new entrants to the US market, landing State-side in 2017. With nearly 50 stores across the country, Calzedonia needed a US-based fulfilment partner with an in-depth understanding of omnichannel logistics and inventory consolidation to manage its growth across both brick and mortar and e-commerce, PLG/WL said in a press release.

"It was no longer practical for us to continue fulfilling US orders from our distribution centres in Europe. With ecommerce growth far outstripping initial forecasts, we needed to pivot our strategy," said Marcello Veronesi, CEO of Calzedonia USA. "PLG/WL has extensive experience working with large fashion retailers and was able to integrate completely with our existing management systems. This unusual level of flexibility and expertise made PLG/WL the perfect choice to coordinate our US fulfilment operation."

The Calzedonia USA warehouse currently operates out of PLG/WL's state-of-the-art Newark facility, offering 432,000 sq ft of fully automated distribution capabilities at close proximity to their port of entry. This first foothold in their US fulfilment operation poises the brand for further expansion into regional markets on both coasts and will serve both their online and offline channels.

"The pandemic has absolutely led to an acceleration in bridging the gap between online and offline retail, with consumers growing accustomed to the ability to move seamlessly between channels," says Brian Weinstein, senior vice president of Business Development at Port Logistics Group/Whiplash. "PLG/WL's vast experience in omnichannel logistics makes us well-positioned to support the ambitions of brands like Calzedonia, who strive to offer a superior customer experience within a highly competitive market."

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS)