New Harrods distribution centre to create 220 jobs

It is one of the most famous retail names in the UK and now Harrods is set to move its distribution centre to West Berkshire, creating 220 jobs. The iconic London store is planning to move to a logistics centre in Thatcham, creating jobs in logistics as well as in management, processing and driving functions.

New distribution centre

Subject to planning approval, the luxury retailer is planning to move to Mill Park in Gables Way, Thatcham, near the Colthrop industrial area. The Knightsbridge based company want to make minor alterations to the existing structure including creating additional windows and adding a storage platform area inside the building.

The world famous store currently operates from a distribution centre in Osterley, West London, but it aims to take over the 255,825 sq ft warehouse by the middle of 2012.

The new distribution centre would provide about 220 jobs. Some staff would transfer from Harrods’ current centre with the remainder of the jobs being advertised.

Creating new logistics jobs for the Berkshire area

In a statement, Harrods said: “With its high quality build and convenient location for the M4, we believe the Thatcham site has the potential we have been looking for to ensure we meet our targets for sales growth and environmental demands for the next 25 years.

“With a total headcount of 221 employees we hope to create new jobs for the local Thatcham and Newbury community and to guarantee all Harrods staff a comfortable and modern working environment.”

Harrods also added that as it handles large scale, high value items rather than high volumes of lower cost goods, the site should see fewer deliveries than a more mainstream logistics operation.