Fancy dress brands suit up for growth

A Liverpool-based warehouse site is set to become a major hub for two of the world’s biggest fancy dress brands.

Rubies and Smiffys have signed a ten-year lease with Mileway for 170,000sq ft of warehouse and office space at Space 170, on Pighue Lane. 

The joint venture will see both businesses relocate to the site in August 2025 to boost order fulfilment and customer service.

Bosses say the new facility includes a high-spec warehouse management system to track inventory in real time and streamline operations. 

They add it also offers capacity for 14,000 pallets, 13 dock-level loading doors and a fully fitted office block.

Fran Hales, head of portfolio and marketing at Rubies, said: “We are thrilled to embark on this journey of enhanced operational excellence and improved customer service. 

“This strategic move represents our dedication to serving our customers better, especially in time for the Halloween season. 

“The modern facility and upgraded technology will allow us to fulfil orders more efficiently, ensuring timely delivery and increased stock availability.”

Elliott Peckett, sales director at Smiffys, added: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and this move to our new Liverpool location will ensure an improved and optimised process for every order that leaves our distribution facility. 

“This customised fulfilment centre has been developed with our product range in mind, allowing for an improved service and more efficient order fulfilment. 

“We’re looking forward to heading into our busiest season better equipped than ever to support our customers and meet demands.”

Located near the M62 and close to key regional infrastructure including the Port of Liverpool and the JLR factory, the site strengthens the brands’ logistics capabilities across the North West.

Andrew Jones, managing director UK and Ireland at Mileway, added: “We worked closely with Rubies and Smiffys to meet their specific and tight scheduling requirements, successfully ensuring disruption was kept to a minimum.  

“We look forward to building a long-term partnership as they enter this exciting phase of growth and operational transformation.”

B8 Real Estate acted as agents on the agreement.

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