The multichannel provider for bike and outdoor, Internetstores, which has been on a growth path for years, has opened a new returns center in the German city of Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, where, according to the company, the main focus is on employee-friendliness and efficiency.
The new logistics hub is intended to relieve the previous location in nearby Esslingen, which now has more space for storage and dispatch of product, thus enabling faster processing of orders. Internetstores is re-storing flawless returned goods. “This sustainable process is only worthwhile financially if the returns can be processed efficiently. This also includes optimal working conditions for our employees,” says Eduard Jesser, head of returns at Internetstores.
To this end, the workplaces in the new returns center were redesigned to ensure optimum health and safety. In addition, a driverless transport system has been developed for products that can be stored in containers, which reduces lengthy walking distances. In addition, an overhead conveyor system originally developed for textile logistics was modified so that bicycle tires can now be transported effortlessly through the building. In addition, tilting and lifting technology simplifies every type of container movement. According to Markus Knöller, head of logistics & fulfilment, the so-called E-BoxT system enables savings of 30 percent in energy consumption. “This makes a decisive difference, especially with an increased volume of returns, and is part of our plan to be as sustainable as possible,” said Knöller.
