With their continued growth and product range expansion, coupled with a rise in demand for home furnishings during the pandemic, Gallery Direct needed to guarantee they could maintain a supply of products into the UK, in order to meet their customers’ needs. However, with the pandemic causing major worldwide supply chain issues, this proved difficult to achieve using their usual shipping methods.
Following discussions with their shipping partner DSV, who 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 has already been so popular and well received within the home interiors and accessories market.
Neil Beech, Head of International Freight & Logistics for Gallery Direct commented, “Key to Gallery’s ethos are a customer focussed 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 now been compounded by the Suez Canal blockage this week, meaning that container shipping issues are at the forefront of our minds,” continued Neil. “However, with DSV’s support, we are confident that we will find solutions, to ensure we maintain our supply chains.”
Phillip Hoare, Head of Sales Bristol & Southampton DSV UK, commented “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.”
DSV provide and manage supply chain solutions for thousands of companies every day – from the small family run business to the large global corporation.
Our reach is global, yet our presence is local and close to our customers. 56,000 employees in more than 80 countries work passionately to deliver great customer experiences and high-quality services.
