Gallery Direct has received DSV's first chartered freight delivery from the Far East.
With its continued growth and product range expansion, coupled with a rise in demand for home furnishings during the pandemic, Gallery Direct needed to guarantee it could maintain a supply of products into the UK, in order to meet its customers’ needs. However, with the pandemic causing major worldwide supply chain issues, this proved difficult to achieve using the company's usual shipping methods.
Following discussions with shipping partner DSV, which had decided to use the Ocean Charter Network to ship freight from China to Europe, it was agreed that the first charter ship would be used to bring Gallery products to the UK.
The charter left China on 3rd February, with the goods arriving at Gallery’s premises in Kent on 24th March. Amongst the products are some of Gallery’s new SS21 Collection, which is already proving popular within the home interiors and accessories market.
Neil Beech, head of international freight & logistics for Gallery Direct, comments: “Key to Gallery’s ethos are a customer-focused approach, along with a positive, can-do attitude, flexibility, innovation and problem solving, and these have been more important than ever over the last year.
"With our understanding of global supply chains, and therefore the current problems facing shipping around the world, we were ahead of the game in looking for alternative methods, as we were determined to maintain our supply of products so we could continue to deliver to our customers. Thinking outside the box and working in partnership with DSV has given us a fantastic solution, by using the first bespoke charter for DSV UK and Gallery Direct to ship products to the UK.
“There will still be challenges over the coming months, which has been compounded by the Suez Canal blockage this week, meaning that container shipping issues are at the forefront of our minds. However, with DSV’s support, we are confident that we will find solutions, to ensure we maintain our supply chains.”
Neil Beech
Phillip Hoare, head of sales, Bristol & Southampton, DSV UK, adds: “Our strength lies in the understanding of our customers’ needs, which is reflected in the value-added services we can offer. We are proud of our successful partnership with Gallery Direct, and our main focus going forward is to provide efficiency, benefits and a quality service.”
