SOUTH AFRICA – South African online retailer, Takealot, has launched its new flagship collection facility in Richmond Park, Cape Town.

This marks the culmination of a multifaceted investment that brings together technological innovation and uniquely South African artwork under one roof.

With the new facility, the retailer has moved its order collection offering from the Cape Town distribution centre to the new Richmond Park Takealot Pickup Point. The establishment spans 1,560m2 with an adjoining warehouse space of 4,611m2.

It also houses 569m2 office space and boasts the latest in distribution centre technology and innovation.

Leveraging cutting edge technology

The Takealot Pickup Point boasts the latest in distribution centre technology and innovation such as advanced sign-in, name recognition, and hassle-free returns that can be done substantially quicker with more convenience.

Plus, standard and next-day collections are free at the new flagship Richmond Park Takealot Pickup Point.

The collection facility also comprises a customer-facing area where shoppers will be able to collect their packages with the help of warehouse transport and delivery technology in the form of the automated guided vehicle (AGV) Weasel.

A first of its kind in South Africa, the AGVs have become a key component of logistics chains at Richmond Park, providing a fully-automated experience to inject an element of fun and innovation into the collection experience, while at the same time boosting productivity.

With an average collection time of just 3 minutes, these ‘little robot helpers’ are designed to guarantee safe transport of packages from behind the scene to shoppers’ hands – another first for AGV Weasel which have only been used in non-customer facing areas across the world.

With the support of AGVs, Takealot says its staff are able to offer a quicker, yet still personal collection experience.

Sustainable packaging

In addition, all Takealot boxes have begun carrying the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation logo.

The FSC is an international non-profit, multi-stakeholder organisation established in 1993 that promotes the responsible management and care of our forests around the world.

As a trusted organisation, the FSC badge stamp highlights the origins of the materials used. The stamp also denotes the independent third-party confirmation that the packaging adheres to the FSC’s social and environmental standards underpinned by global best-practice.

More importantly, the stamp is proof that all packaging is made from 100% recycled materials – helping to alleviate pressure on the forests across the world and supporting Takealot’s commitment to more sustainable packaging.

In other related news, Pick n Pay and partner Fortress Reit are continuing with the development of a new distribution centre, Eastport, in Gauteng to consolidate the JSE-listed retailer’s Longmeadow distribution centre and three smaller facilities.

The distribution centre, scheduled for completion in 2023 is set to take up 165,000m2 of gross lettable area, with an option to renew its 15-year lease agreement.

The retailer has secured long-term funding at a competitive interest rate to fund the project as it is contributing 60% share of the total cost and the remainder settled by Fortress Reit.

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