Running shoe firm 'sprints on' with £1.5 million move

An online running shoe retailer says it is sprinting ahead following a £1.5 million investment.

SportsShoes.com has bought a semi-automated warehouse system.

Bosses say the equipment has sped up distribution to customers across the UK, Europe and Scandinavia, with the Shipley-based operator able to pack up to 600 products every hour.

The investment builds on record turnover at the firm, which saw income rise four per cent to £93.3 million in the year to February 28.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation increased 13.3 per cent to £6 million, as the business – which was founded in 1982 and works with running brands including Asics, Nike and Adidas – picked up more than 672,000 new customers.

Louise Cartner, SportsShoes.com general manager, said: “This latest investment has made a significant positive difference to our warehouse operations. 

“Our new system provides the infrastructure to further enhance the speed and efficiency of our order processing and distribution operations.

“These efficiency gains put us in a stronger position to unlock future scalability for the business by enabling us to explore ways to optimise the way we use our current facilities.”

The company worked with AMH Material Handling, Yorkshire Packaging Systems and Audion Packaging Machines on the project.

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