A leading retailer seeks ways to streamline multiple projects through continuous supply chain improvements.
C.H. Robinson adds flexibility across the supply chain, including consolidation, beauty installs, fixtures, and port services.
See what the company achieves each year:
As a leader in retail pharmacies in the United States, one company is dedicated to making quality care more affordable, accessible, simple, and seamless. With around 9,000 retail locations, the company provides a broad range of consumer products—from makeup to multivitamins and beyond—for consumers across the United States.
As a pioneer in the pharmacy industry, the company continuously strives to enhance its supply chain operations. For over a decade, C.H. Robinson has been their primary domestic logistics provider. The long-term relationship is founded on mutual trust and a shared commitment to excellence. Together, the companies work to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of essential products to the vast retail network of stores.
The goal with continuous improvement is to always push the boundaries of what’s possible, especially in the supply chain. That’s where C.H. Robinson comes in. Retail and healthcare logistics experts at C.H. Robinson consistently bring fresh perspectives and inventive solutions to the table that keep the retailer ahead in the market.
Using an integrated Global Suite of Services™ across four key areas, C.H. Robinson provides flexible capacity options that adapt to changing consumer demand to enhance efficiency, visibility, and performance across their supply chain.
C.H. Robinson streamlines the movement of consumer health products like multivitamins and personal protective equipment (PPE). The extensive consolidation program handles approximately 126,000 purchase orders annually, streamlining products from over 100 brands into an average of 5,000 full truckloads each year. Consolidation not only reduces shipping costs but also helps minimize transit times by optimizing load efficiency.
Twice a year, C.H. Robinson supports up to 3,000 locations with highly efficient last mile services. These efforts, typically conducted in spring and fall, update end caps for beauty brands. Using a hub-and-spoke model, C.H. Robinson removes existing end caps and seamlessly installs new merchandise displays, providing a fresh and updated look in stores, saving time for in-store employees.
For new store openings or locations undergoing renovations, C.H. Robinson manages the delivery and installation of store fixtures—from lighting to flooring. This service relies on direct communication with general contractors onsite. The seamless coordination between C.H. Robinson and contractors minimizes added work for employees and facilitates smooth store openings and remodels.
Seasonal goods require yet another approach to transport products from ports to distribution centers. By managing the inland drayage of seasonal items, C.H. Robinson helps optimize stock levels to meet consumer demand without delays. This process is further enhanced through transloading and palletization, which streamline the transfer of goods from ocean containers to domestic trailers, ensuring faster distribution. These services help reduce handling time and optimize storage space, allowing for more efficient delivery.
“C.H. Robinson offers a variety of innovative solutions that cater to the many aspects of our supply chain. Their unrivaled scale across modes and regions has been invaluable in maintaining our operational excellence,” explained the retailer.
Utilizing customizable reports from Navisphere®, C.H. Robinson delivers a comprehensive view of the supply chain's performance, empowering the retailer to make data-backed decisions with confidence. With real-time data, it's possible monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as delivery times, inventory levels, and on time in full (OTIF) metrics. This level of visibility helps swiftly identify and address any issues before they impact compliance or operational efficiency.
The retailer stated, “The real-time tracking and Power BI reporting provided by C.H. Robinson have been game-changers for us. The accurate data helps us stay compliant and make informed decisions, keeping continuous improvement opportunities top of mind.”
The relationship between the two companies continues to deliver results. Through the comprehensive solutions and cutting-edge technology from C.H. Robinson, the retailer continues to see improvements across multiple key performance areas:
“The results speak for themselves. C.H. Robinson continues to be an invaluable provider in our supply chain success. With their help we’ll continue to set new standards in our industry,” noted the retailer.