Clipper Logistics has won a contract with retail giant Marks and Spencer (M&S) following a successful trial of the operator’s returns management service.

The deal will see Clipper’s returns handling operation, Boomerang, process store-returned merchandise and ensure its flow back to the M&S fulfilment centre in Castle Donnington, ready for re-allocation.

Clipper will provide stock handling and reprocessing at its Swadlincote depot, which has been fully integrated with the M&S warehouse management system to ensure full control and visibility of items throughout the process.

M&S is the latest retailer to sign up to Clipper Logistics’ Boomerang service which is also used by Asos, SuperGroup and John Lewis. The operator’s e-fulfilment and returns management service is experiencing rapid growth with turnover up 61.1% to £97.6m in the year to 30 April 2016, according to its latest annual results.

Clipper chief executive Tony Mannix said: “I am delighted that the trial has now moved to a contracted basis. Returns management is a big issue for many retailers, and we are proud to help M&S with our Boomerang service, which was developed with a key focus on returns handling capabilities.”

Adrian Harris, M&S director of clothing, home and multichannel logistics, said: “Having undertaken a trial with Clipper to support our returns operations, we are delighted to announce that we have now put a contract in place – recognising the value created by the strong partnership that has developed.

“We are confident that the innovative approach to solutions provided by Clipper will help us remain at the forefront of best practice, and that the relationship will continue to enhance the services that we are able to provide.”

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