Waterstones extends Unipart contract

Waterstones has extended its contract with Unipart Logistics for an additional five years.

Unipart will continue to be responsible for the distribution of books and related to products to 280 shops, and to customers at home. The logistics company will operate from its 150,000 sq ft hub in Burton-on-Trent.

Waterstones and Unipart won four awards at the Supply Chain Excellence Awards in 2015.

“We’ve extended our contract because Unipart really understands our business and provides an excellent service,” said Beccy Preece, head of supply chain services at Waterstones. “Over the past ten years our needs have changed – along with the change in the way our customers buy books – and with the introduction of a greater, non-book range Unipart have adapted to support our needs and so have helped our business to grow.”

Claire Walters, chief commercial officer at Unipart Logistics said: “We are incredibly proud of our long-term partnership with Waterstones, and our contribution to the turnaround of the business over the last few years through intelligent supply chain decisions. Our team feel part of the Waterstones family, and are passionate about delivering exceptional and rapid service to Waterstones customers. We are looking forward to taking our partnership to a new level, through implementing innovative ideas and digital technology to further enhance the Waterstones supply chain.”