Luxury retail packager, Fleet, discusses adapting its business to support the reopening of retail.

 

Barely a business in the country will have escaped the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Since the UK went into lockdown in March, many have had to cease trading completely. Others have had to drastically change the way they operate. Being adaptable has never been so important, and as the UK’s high streets prepare to spring back into action, Fleet has been adapting its business to support the reopening of retail.

Fleet Luxury has specialised in providing bespoke packaging solutions since 2004. When you splash out on something special – be it clothing, cosmetics, beauty products, or jewellery – there is a good chance that the luxurious bag or presentation box it arrives in will have been supplied by Fleet. It has been a provider of choice for leading brands for over 16 years. It also works closely with thousands of artisans, producers and independent retailers across the UK and beyond.

Things were initially very quiet when the lockdown was imposed.

However, some of Fleet’s hospitality clients then began looking at ways to diversify their business, asking Fleet for help in creating quality packaging for their new takeaway offerings. Then, with the announcement that restrictions were set to ease in June, others began to consider how they would create a safe trading environment for staff and customers; many turned to Fleet for advice.

“We are used to our clients coming to us for luxury packaging,” explains managing director, Mark Lowry. “But suddenly they were asking us for help with something quite different. Hand sanitiser, face masks, Perspex screens, thermometers; all these things are vital for safe trading going forward but most businesses have never had to source them before. In this current situation, retailers need to know that they can access a reliable supply of protective equipment without being at the mercy of huge mark-ups. We realised that Fleet could help.”

Through its existing supply chain network, Fleet has established a guaranteed, long-term supply of a wide range of protective equipment.

Fleet is storing the protective equipment in its warehouse facility and distribution is via its fulfilment framework; both as a standalone offering and with its packaging orders. The aim is not to make a profit. Indeed, Fleet barely covers its costs on many of these products. However, by looking after retailers’ needs now, Fleet hopes it will be doing its bit to help secure the long-term future of the high street.

“Our mission is to help retailers deliver the best possible shopping experience to their customers,” continues Lowry. “Despite the challenges that may lie ahead, we believe the demand for great products and great packaging will still be there. But, so will the need to shop safely. We are committed to the high street and delighted to be able to support the UK’s retail community.”

To find out more about Fleet, please click here. Click here to view the company’s protective equipment offer. For any enquiries or to speak to the team call 01634 730334 or email rb@fleetluxury.com.