iForce leads the way for online retail in 2009

This article is brought to you by Retail Technology Review: iForce leads the way for online retail in 2009.

During 2009 it will be vital for retailers to have a strong on-line presence when all indications are that the high street will be under significant pressure. A key step to ensuring an on-line service is successful is to outsource the fulfilment of on-line orders to a specialist operator.

Reporting another highly successful year, iForce has once again demonstrated itself to be the UK's leading fulfilment service provider to the online retail market. During 2008 the company added significant new clients, such as Sainsbury's, to join its existing portfolio that includes John Lewis Direct, Boots.com, House of Fraser and Fortnum & Mason.

Throughout 2008, iForce proved its ability to facilitate the growth of its clients, packing a total of 3.8 million orders, which amounts to 14.5 million individual items and represents a 45% increase on 2007 on a like for like basis.

During the year's peak period - October to December - iForce packed an incredible 1.8 million orders (6.6 million items). That's a 41% increase on a like for like basis, which is particularly significantly during a time of contrasting fortunes on the high street.

Commenting on another successful year of growth, iForce's Mark Hewitt said: "Once again the team here at iForce has demonstrated the ability to scale in what is the most dynamic area of retail at this moment. With the launch of a significant new contract at the end of last year and the signing of a contract with Sainsbury's just before Christmas, to provide fulfilment and returns services for their new non-food website, we remain the premier independent provider of e-fulfilment and returns processing services in the UK at this time."

Commenting on the year ahead Mark Hewitt added: "Looking forward to 2009, we anticipate another year of growth in on-line fulfilment with our clients, which will allow us to expand our services, bring on new clients and create extra jobs in both our existing and new sites. We also expect the year to mark our first steps into international expansion. In a sector that has a challenging year ahead we are looking forward to working with all our clients to grow their on-line businesses further."