Australia’s leading online book retailer, Booktopia Group has confirmed plans for its highly automated Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) to open in November this year in time for end-of-year sales events including Black Friday and Christmas.
The transition from two existing CFCs to a single new CFC at South Strathfield will take place over the next six months. The $12 million investment is expected to grow annual revenue to at least $360 million.
Booktopia has also decided to utilise a third-party Warehouse Management System (WMS) to deliver further efficiencies in the new CFC, replacing some elements of the current proprietary technology platform.
Booktopia chairman, Peter George said, “The first half presented difficult trading conditions with various economic headwinds combined with volatile conditions as consumer behaviour adjusted to the post-Covid retail environment.
“We have taken the necessary action to build a better business for the long-term. We believe we have the right people, strategy, and brand to return to more traditional levels of growth in the future. We are optimistic the new CFC will improve margins and lower operating costs and we are now focused on ensuring a smooth transition to the new facility in November and securing longer-term funding.”