Kenco, Hermes offer retail logistics service

   Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Kenco, a provider of distribution, warehousing, transportation and information technology, is offering new international retail and logistics services with Germany’s Hermes Fulfilment.
   The companies said the goal is to serve shippers on both sides of the Atlantic. In the United States, Kenco will provide warehouseing and distribution of online orders through more than 100 distribution centers and Hermes will provide online support for businesses including Web store design, payment processing, accounts receivable, and other services.
   For Europe, Kenco’s domestic online retail customers will have access to Germany’s Haldensleben distribution center operated by Hermes Fulfillment.
   Judy Craig, Kenco’s vice president of sales, said the goal is to give customers strong systems and country-specific expertise. Expanding retail operations into new countries requires a large focus on detail and understanding the new market, from style and varying products to languages, methods of payment, and even the layout of the store itself, she explained.
   Austrian garment manufacturer Wolford is one of the first customers for the pair’s offering. Through its Web stores, Wolford has now expanded operations to 13 European countries and the United States. It said more markets outside of Europe are in the works.
   Hamburg-based Hermes Fulfilment is a subsidiary of Otto Group and provides a wide range of services to the  retail sector. It provides logistic services that cover as many as 1 million products and handles about 260 million items annually.