SIGNA Sports United (SSU) has announced a third-party logistics partnership with Rhenus Warehousing Solutions and the opening of a new state-of-the-art warehouse facility.
SSU companies and brands include Wiggle, Chain Reaction Cycles, Fahrrad.de, Bikester, Probikeshop, CAMPZ, Addnature, Tennis-Point, TennisPro, and OUTFITTER.
The newly built 20,000 sq m site, ‘the largest bike parts hub in Europe’, is strategically located in Hockenheim, Germany, with distribution channels to several European markets. With the establishment of the site, SSU adds that it is creating cost savings and synergies.
Integrating the strands of SSU’s continental European bike inventory, including purchasing, supply chain management and operations, the facility has a starting capacity of 5 million orders within the first year it is operational, with capability of reaching 21 million orders by 2025-26.
The site is operated by Rhenus Warehousing Solutions, a global company focused on warehousing solutions and fulfilment services. It will add capacity for SSU’s bike business including Probikeshop, the Lyon, France-based bike retail brand.
SSU’s current individual bike warehouses will now be supported by the new facility. This will allow them to scale future growth.
Markus Knöller, head of logistics and fulfillment at SSU, said “We are thrilled to partner with Rhenus on this first step in a strategy for our international expansion. This partnership will serve as the playbook for other regions globally as we work to be even closer to our customers.
“The site and the increased capacity will support organic growth and allow to efficiently integrate further M&A targets over the coming years. The site also gives us flexibility to integrate further sectors such as tennis or outdoor, creating cross-sector synergies. We see 3PL [third-party logistics] partnerships for our international expansion as key to our growth strategy.”
SSU notes that… ‘the bike industry continues to grow rapidly and in step with the acceleration of mega-trends such as heightened focus on health and fitness in a post-pandemic world, and the continuing evolution in e-mobility and cleaner modes of transport.’
Olivier Rochon, founder and managing director of ProBikeshop, said “We continue to see strong demand in southern Europe and this new site enables us to take our business to the next level.
“As avid and passionate riders ourselves, we want to provide the best possible service to our customers. Having this additional capacity helps us to provide our expertise to even more riders.”
