Online retail continues to boom in Australia with an estimated worth of $22.1 billion last year, an increase of 7% on the year before. Australians spent over $2.3 billion in purchases on the 2015 Boxing Day Sale – up 4% on last year’s figures*. With this growth also comes constant change. Suppliers are racing to keep up with an increasingly mobile customer, to outdo their competitors and to provide impeccable customer service. The impact of this growth and evolution, of course, directly influences the logistics and distribution industries. Customers shop online to find the best price but also increasingly for convenience. It is the timely delivery of these goods as well as an easy return policy that plays a critical role in customer satisfaction and thus the success of your online business. Efficient operation of the supply chain is key to the success of industry stakeholders.
Creating efficient supply chains to seamlessly serve your customer
Examining the central theme of – ‘Creating efficient supply chains to seamlessly serve your customer’ Informa’s 3rd Online Retail logistics Conference aims provide a forum for discussion around the evolving commercial conditions and business models, the challenges online retailers face in Australia and discuss best practice solutions for retailers, e-tailers, fulfillment specialists and logistics companies.
In the lead up to the event we managed to grab a few minutes with the Conference Chair, Kim Winter, Global CEO at Logistics Executive to discuss the event, the industry and what he is hoping to achieve from attending the conference.
Kim, tell us a little bit about Logistics Executive
Kim Winter: Logistics Executive Group has been a leading specialist human capital management organization since 1999 providing whole of life cycle business services including Talent Management, Corporate Advisory and Logistics Academy from offices throughout Australia, S.E. Asia, China, India, The Middle East and Europe.
You will Chair the Online Retail Logistics Conference again this year. The central theme of the conference for 2016 is – ‘Creating efficient supply chains to seamlessly serve your customer’. In your opinion, how can companies make sure their supply chains are as efficient as possible?
Kim Winter: Organizations need to assess the dynamic supply chains they operate within and align their resources appropriately across their ecosystems for optimum sustainable customer outcomes. Combining the right strategy with premium human capital to drive and execute results is an essential ingredient for business success.
Combining the right strategy with premium human capital to drive and execute results is an essential ingredient for business success.
What would you say are the biggest challenges facing companies today when it comes to online retail logistics?
Kim Winter: Market dynamics, competitive forces, evolving technology and sourcing experienced.
What are you looking forward to most about the Conference?
Kim Winter: The event last year was a continual roll out of business innovation, excellence, inspiration, entrepreneurial journeys and success stories by some of industries most talented and business leaders. I’m looking forward to hosting the presenters who will be sharing the latest online logistics industry insights / developments / trends / offerings and continuing the theme of full audience involvement / engagement that was a highlight of last year’s event.
We look forward to joining Kim in the discussion at the Grace Hotel Sydney on the 28th and 29th April. To learn more about the conference and view the most up to date agenda visit the event website. We look forward to seeing you there!
*Source: ARA/ROY MORGAN