Ikea has opened a new distribution centre in Dartford that will deliver online orders to customers in the South East using 100% renewable energy and electric vehicles.
The 452,000 sq ft facility, which opened today (May 10), will handle 1 million orders per year and reduce delivery times for online shoppers in the region.
The centre is part of Ikea’s expansion plan in London, which also includes a new store on Oxford Street that will open later this year.
Ikea said the centre will help it achieve its goal of 100% zero emission last-mile deliveries in London by 2025, as part of its sustainability strategy.
The centre features 28 rapid HGV chargers and 60 overnight chargers for its electric delivery fleet, which will also reduce noise and air pollution in the area.
Jakob Bertilsson, Ikea UK country customer fulfilment manager, said: “In London, we are opening new Ikea stores, investing in our fulfilment network and offering new services to meet more people where they live, work and socialise.
“Establishing a distribution centre in the region is a hugely exciting and significant step in our investment in the city, as well as a continuation in our omnichannel strategy to support customers however they choose to shop with us.
“We want people to enjoy the Ikea experience whether visiting our stores, home planning or online. The distribution centre will enable this by increasing availability of our products and reducing lead times. It also builds on our ambitions for 100% zero emission last-mile deliveries for 2025, a critical component of our sustainability strategy.”
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