APL to overhaul Stein Mart’s distribution

APL to overhaul Stein MartÆs distribution    APL Logistics said next week it would begin aiding an overhaul of retailer Stein Mart's nationwide distribution system.
   Stein Mart signed a deal in January with APL to manage the two largest of six new warehouses, the first of which opens next week in Dallas, a 32,000 square-foot distribution center.
   APL will also manage an Atlanta DC slated to open this summer. In all, the logistics company will operate 125,000 square feet of warehouse space and handle 7 million cases of product annually.
   Stein Mart operates 280 stores in 30 states.
   Vendors have traditionally delivered product directly to each Stein Mart store, but with APL Logistics' help, the fashion discounter is scrapping that system in favor of a layered distribution system, where vendors will deliver product to Stein Mart consolidation centers being established in Atlanta; Compton, Calif.; and Secaucus, N.J.
   The consolidation centers will re-sort shipments for delivery to distribution centers in Atlanta, Dallas and Compton. At distribution centers, merchandise will be checked to ensure it's floor ready and if not, problems will be corrected. Merchandise will then be sorted for delivery to Stein Mart stores.