The world of retail has changed a lot over recent years, and speed and efficiency are essential. Retail businesses that select secure warehousing in a strategic location will see huge benefits to their operations.
Online sales have been increasing, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically shifted people's buying habits. According to Statista, around 30% of retail sales occurred online in 2023. Customers expect fast access to goods and retail businesses, whether they are physical stores or online, need to respond to that demand.
Choosing the right warehouse location can make or break your supply chain. Think of it as more than just a storage space—it's a crucial part of keeping your operations running smoothly, your customers happy, and your costs under control.
Why does the location of your warehousing and storage solution matter?
You no doubt thought carefully about the location of your offices and physical stores - if you have any. The same concern should be applied to your secure warehouse site. You may already have warehousing on your own site, and you may need additional third-party storage. Or, you might not have the space or the facilities to store your goods on your own site.
So, you'll need to think carefully about your warehouse storage location. Here are 10 reasons how the location of your warehousing and storage supports your retail business.
1. Proximity to Suppliers and Customers
There's a reason why we say "location, location, location". It is the primary consideration when looking for a new warehouse solution. A warehouse that's close to your suppliers means you can receive goods quicker, cutting down on transportation costs and lead times. And if you have quick access to your customers, it is also a bonus.
So, if you can get a perfect location that allows fast access to customers and suppliers, it is a win-win! Faster deliveries lead to happier customers and can give you a competitive edge in a packed retail marketplace.
2. Easy Access
Whether it's by road, rail, or air, your warehouse needs to be easily accessible. The easier it is for trucks to get in and out, the faster your goods move. An efficient warehouse will have accessible loading and offloading facilities to keep your products moving. Plus, being well-connected reduces transit times between transportation hubs, ensuring your products reach store shelves or customers' doors without delay.
3. Balancing Costs
Every business has to juggle their costs. Trying to find the right balance between affordability and convenience is crucial. Some locations can come at a high cost, which can be down to transport links, the price of property or labour costs. Doing some research into different locations can save your business a lot of money. For example, GWS offers secure warehousing in the North East of England, with excellent transport links and storage rates at a fraction of the cost of warehousing in the South East.
4. Cutting Transportation Costs
The closer your warehouse is to suppliers, manufacturers, and customers, the less you'll spend on transportation. Shorter distances mean lower fuel costs, which can be a huge expenditure in your supply chain.
However, by adding less mileage to your vehicles also means less wear and tear on vehicles, so companies can save even more money on vehicle maintenance. And let's not forget, that fewer miles means quicker deliveries.
5. Meeting Delivery Expectations
The retail sector is under increasing pressure, and customers expect lightning-fast delivery - thanks, Amazon! A strategically placed warehouse means you can keep your stores stocked up and ensure that deliveries are not delayed.
6. Streamlined Inventory Management
When your warehouse is in the right spot, you can turn over inventory faster. This means less time with goods stuck in transit, better forecasting, and more efficient inventory management. A third-party warehouse with up-to-date warehouse management systems helps you to keep tabs on your stock and process orders even faster.
7. Sustainability Matters
Reducing the distance your goods travel doesn't just save money—it's also better for the planet. A well-located warehouse helps you lower your carbon footprint, which is becoming increasingly important for brands committed to sustainability. Cut down your miles and reduce your impact.
8. Flexibility for the Unexpected
Retail is unpredictable. A sudden spike in demand, supplier delays or transportation hiccups can throw a spanner in the works. A strategically located warehouse gives you the flexibility to adapt quickly and keep things running smoothly.
9. Enhanced Customer Service
Being able to respond to customer demand is at the heart of a successful retail operation. Using a third-party warehouse either as your primary storage solution or supporting existing warehousing gives businesses flexibility.
Sometimes things go wrong; it's inevitable, but it's how you deal with those situations that makes all the difference. Efficient storage with fast access gives companies the adaptability to stay on top of their operations and ultimately keep customers happy!
10. Planning for Growth
While it's important to meet your current needs, smart businesses think about the future. A warehouse located in a strategic area means you'll always be close to emerging markets, setting you up for long-term success.
Every Mile Matters
The location of your warehouse is more than just a pin on the map—it's a key part of your supply chain strategy. Getting it right helps with everything from controlling costs and faster deliveries to improving customer satisfaction and supporting future growth.
GWS has flexible and clean secure warehousing and storage based in Immingham, North East Lincolnshire. Why does this benefit retail businesses? It's a good question. Immingham is home to one of the UK's largest ports, so importing and exporting goods is easy. However, the best thing about warehousing in Immingham is the proximity to the UK's road network.
The strategic location of the GWS warehouses gives businesses access to 75% of the UK within 2 hours! Not only can you respond to supply and demand (a crucial part of retail strategy), but you can cut down your transport miles. Reducing mileage on your logistics makes your operation more streamlined and saves you time and money.
GWS has the perfect warehouse storage solution for the retail sector. We're not just in a strategic and convenient location. We support retail businesses with our state-of-the-art warehouse management systems, 24/7 manned security and expert product handlers.
Speak to us today for a competitive quote and find out why Immingham is an excellent location for your storage solution.
