New distribution center enables Sephora to enhance the customer experience for their e-commerce business and stores in China

SHANGHAI,  - 17 October 2023 - GEODIS and Sephora, the world's leading omnichannel prestige beauty retailer, announced the inauguration of the distribution center (DC) in Minhang District of Shanghai.

The official opening ceremony for the 20,000 square-meter facility took place on 11th October 2023. Managed by GEODIS, the DC will play a critical role in enhancing Sephora's customer experience and supporting its fast-growing e-commerce business and sales in its stores across China.

(from left to right) Maggie Chan, Managing Director, Sephora Greater China, Lily Zhou, Chief Operating Officer, Sephora Greater China, Onno Boots, GEODIS APAC and Middle East Regional President and CEO, and Ivan Siew, GEODIS China Managing Director, at the opening ceremony of the new Shanghai distribution centre.

(from left to right) Maggie Chan, Managing Director, Sephora Greater China, Lily Zhou, Chief Operating Officer, Sephora Greater China, Onno Boots, GEODIS APAC and Middle East Regional President and CEO, and Ivan Siew, GEODIS China Managing Director, at the opening ceremony of the new Shanghai distribution centre.

The facility includes a state-of-the-art storage technology and systems, consisting of mezzanine flooring, Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) pallet racks, and racking served by Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGV). The facility is fully automated to optimize operations and deliver the improved storage and inventory-processing in response to Sephora's expanding product demand in China, which is now one of Sephora's biggest markets in the world.

Aligning with Sephora's and GEODIS' commitment to sustainability, the facility provides access to features and processes that manage carbon emissions. This includes the use of sustainable construction materials for the warehouse façade, LED lights and motion sensors, automatic energy consumption monitoring systems, and energy-efficient air conditioning units. These features have been certified 'Platinum' by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the highest level of accreditation within the most widely used green building rating system in the world.

"We are committed to providing our consumers with the best possible shopping experience. The opening of this new distribution center is a significant milestone for Sephora as it will enable us to drive an incredible last-mile experience for our consumers and ensure that stock availability is the best it can ever be at our stores," said President of Sephora Asia, Alia Gogi.

"I would like to thank Sephora for their trust and partnership over the past 17 years. As their growth partner, we look forward to supporting their long-term vision for expansion in China. We are committed to continually innovating and ensuring excellence in their supply chain operations to meet the demands of their consumers in this dynamic retail environment," said GEODIS APAC and Middle East Regional President and CEO, Onno Boots.

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