U.K.-based footwear brand FitFlop selects Ryder as U.S. supply chain and logistics provider

Ryder System, Inc., a leader in supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, is the new e-commerce, omnichannel fulfillment, and reverse logistics provider for U.K.-based footwear brand FitFlop. With expansion plans throughout the U.S. and Canada, FitFlop selected Ryder for its expertise in providing tech-forward, scalable supply chain solutions for high-growth fashion and apparel brands.

FitFlop’s new logistics operations are strategically located within Ryder’s newly built 700,000-square-foot multiclient warehouse facility in Columbus, Ohio – one of the nation’s fastest-growing large metropolitan areas with access to more Americans within 500 miles than any other major inland or coastal port and to 80% of the U.S. population within two days via standard ground shipping.

Additional benefits to FitFlop include a more efficient facility with faster fulfilment times and ample storage, the ability to rate shop and to expand transportation capabilities across its omnichannel business, quicker returns processing, Foreign Trade Zone optimization, and increased supply chain resilience with Ryder’s well-established and flexible North American transportation network.

“The FitFlop team has been deliberate in finding fulfillment partners with proven experience in their product category, as well as the strongest possible handle on the local market,” says Jeff Wolpov, senior vice president of e-commerce for Ryder. “Both categorically and geographically, Ryder is equipped to help FitFlop realize scalable omnichannel success. We look forward to seeing the company thrive with the help of Ryder’s fulfillment and reverse logistics expertise, vast nationwide distribution network, extensive technology suite, best-in-class warehouse management practices, and end-to-end transportation logistics solutions.”

In addition to enabling FitFlop to enter new markets, the footwear brand and Ryder aim to elevate the level of service provided to FitFlop’s omnichannel customers – including major retailers, boutique shops, the brand’s U.S. flagship store in New York’s Soho district, and e-commerce consumers – namely by having a local, reliable logistics partner with a proven track record for helping brands seamlessly scale with growth, market fluctuations, and seasonality.

“We collaborated with Ryder on what was a challenging timeline involving much work across the holiday period and New Year to check we were set up for a February go-live,” says Sal Billington, global logistics director for FitFlop. “An incredible amount of effort was provided from both businesses to achieve the smooth implementation we experienced. Thanks to everyone involved, this will set up our U.S. business with a solid range of omnichannel services for the future.”

Ryder now operates four multiclient distribution centers in the Columbus area, due to its relatively central U.S. location and proximity to key transportation hubs and population centers. Additionally, Ryder operates nearly 300 warehouses encompassing more than 100 million square feet across North America; and, through its e-commerce business, has the ability to deliver to 100% of the population within two days and 60% within one day.