The Range has started work on the largest warehouse development to be built in the UK this year – a new state-of-the-art 1.2million ft2 distribution unit located at Gateway 14 – Suffolk’s new logistics park.
Set to create around 1,650 jobs once complete in 12 months; the huge new mega-shed is part of the value retailer’s aggressive growth strategy which will see it increase its existing store portfolio – currently 210 stores in UK & ROI – by a further 100 stores as well as providing the ability to add thousands of new value-added products to its rapidly expanding store network and e-commerce business.
The development comes at a time when rivals including Amazon have scaled back and halted warehouse expansion in face of economic downturn.
The Range is one of the fastest growing retailers in the UK and a standout success in the UK’s gloomy retail market. With 210 stores, it’s currently on a path of unstoppable growth selling over 80,000 ‘value’ products across 18 departments including DIY, furniture, arts & crafts, pet products, garden and outdoor living.
Alex Simpkin, CEO of The Range, said: “This is not only a major landmark in the expansion of The Range’s estate, it’s also great to be able to announce some positive news that will, quite simply, inject millions of pounds into the UK economy.
“This vast distribution centre is the one of the biggest warehouse developments to be built in the UK for five years and could quite honestly be visible from space! In practical terms, it will allow us to expand to further locations around the UK – creating new jobs, opening more stores and providing an even better service in store and online for customers. It will allow us to expand our product offer, including even more unbelievable value and price-sensitive lines.”
Tony George, head of logistics at The Range, said: “Sustainability is a central feature of the Gateway 14 development, including EV charging, LED lighting, solar and smart energy systems. We already have two existing major distribution hubs in the UK and this new site with its proximity to the Port of Felixstowe will provide green benefits through fewer delivery miles for both inbound stock and onward deliveries to The Range stores.”
