Lets retailers share containers with other stores

Thomas Russell — Furniture Today

HIGH POINT — Case goods importer A.R.T. Furniture has launched a split direct container program that lets retailers share containers with other retailers.

The program, which went into effect Jan. 15, allows retailers to purchase as few as 500 cubes on a container, or about one quarter the capacity of a 1,950-cube container.

That means they can purchase goods with up to thee other retailers who also purchase 500 cubes worth of goods. Five hundred cubes is the equivalent of about two to three bedrooms, depending on how many pieces are ordered.

Retailers also can mix up to five of A.R.T.’s 18 collections on a container.

The program is operated in conjunction with Zenith Global Logistics. The goods will be shipped from A.R.T.’s China warehouse and will be distributed through one of three quick-ship zones in California, Texas and North Carolina.

While it’s not as inexpensive as full container pricing, customers who participate in the program will achieve lower shipping costs than if they ordered through the A.R.T.’s domestic warehouses. Split container orders are targeted to arrive at the retailer’s door within six to eight weeks of the order placement.

“The split container program is designed to offer flexibility, convenience and true savings while minimizing the inventory investment,” said Bill Sibbick, vice president of sales and marketing.

Source : www.furnituretoday.com