Clipper Logistics has wrapped up a deal with Shop Direct, the owner of Very.co.uk and Littlewoods.com, to provide returns management and pre-retail services.

Ranging across 1,800 brands from fashion to housewares and electronics, the operation will initially continue to be housed at the existing 215,000sq ft Shop Direct facility at Raven Mill near Oldham, Greater Manchester.

As part of the five-year deal, which starts on 1 July, the Raven Mill premises are to be leased to Clipper Logistics. It will also see approximately 400 Shop Direct personnel based at the Raven Mill transfer to Clipper Logistics’ employment under TUPE.

Ultimately the returns management and pre-retail services activity will move to Shop Direct’s new East Midlands fulfilment centre in 2021.

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After this time, a number of Shop Direct’s specialist returns management services will transfer to Clipper’s returns site at Swadlincote in Derbyshire too. The operator will continue to provide Shop Direct with pre-retail and enhanced returns processing capabilities from there.

Steve Parkin, executive chairman of Clipper Logistics said: “This contract win is significant for Clipper, adding one of the UK’s leading pureplay digital retailers to our roster of best in class retail operators.

“It demonstrates Clipper’s unique ability in returns management across fashion, electronics and general merchandise.”

Shop Direct CEO, Henry Birch, said: “Clipper has a track record of delivering best in class fulfilment and returns for digital retailers. The agreement represents a positive outcome for our colleagues at Raven Mill.”

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