With the purpose of enhancing its “all-channel retailing capabilities,” Hudson’s Bay Co. said it was opening a “state-of-the-art” fulfillment distribution center this summer in Pottsville, Pa.
The new facility will feature “robotic retail technology” and will be built and operated in phases with the initial opening spanning 450,000 square feet. By January of 2017, the full facility will operate and command 617,500 square feet. “The DC will run best-in-class robotic retail technology that is approximately three times faster than the typical technology utilized in e-commerce DCs,” the company said, adding that it will allow the retailer to cut costs “while improving output volume and accuracy.”
Jerry Storch, chief executive officer, said the company is “laser-focused on our all-channel strategy, and this investment leapfrogs us to the forefront of Internet distribution technology.”
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“As we execute on our digital strategy, we continue to invest in innovation that enables us to serve our consumers seamlessly, lead the evolution of trends in the retail industry, and expand our business which creates new job opportunities and investment in the community,” the ceo added.
HBC said that the new DC will be home to corporate offices and a photo studio as well as a warehouse. “It will initially have approximately 600 positions, which includes the creation of more than 200 new jobs in the City of Pottsville as well as approximately 390 positions that will move from the company’s existing Wilkes-Barre, Penn., DC,” the company said, adding that after Pottsville opens, the Wilkes-Barre facility will “continue to employ approximately 750 people and will focus on supporting the retail operations of the Lord & Taylor, Saks [Fifth Avenue], and Saks Off 5th banners.”
The retailer noted that once up and running, the total number of positions at the new DC and the Wilkes-Barre site will about 1,350.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said that the company’s “decision to operate an additional distribution center in Pennsylvania, which will create hundreds of additional jobs, is a testament to our state’s highly dedicated workforce and an important reflection of critical economic progress.”