Claire Fletcher, Ocado category manager will address BHETA members next week (May 19) at the association’s next retailer forum. Claire’s presentation will be followed up by a Meet the Buyer event with Ocado on June 29.
Claire will update members on Ocado’s recent trading performance and strategic direction, discuss consumer and trade trends and highlight opportunities for suppliers, covering resurgent categories including cookware, bakeware, storage, and tools and gadgets as well as eco and recyclable products. BHETA members will be able to ask questions after Claire’s presentation.
Ocado’s sales increased by 35% year on year (to £2.2bn) to the end of November 2020, reflecting what it says is a permanent shift in consumer shopping habits. The retailer has opened its first two international fulfilment centres (Paris and Toronto) in the past year, and opened its first Ocado Zoom micro site in west London ahead of schedule, with a further dozen sites planned within the M25 to support the group’s growth plans and ambition of ‘changing the way the world shops.’
Commenting on the Ocado events, BHETA’s chief Operating Officer, Will Jones said: “This is a great opportunity to speak directly to a hugely growing force in retail and a pioneer of the online model. Both events are sure to attract a big response, so all members wishing to attend are therefore encouraged to make themselves known to BHETA Member Services as soon as possible, so that we can confirm arrangements.”
Next month, BHETA hosts a presentation by Alan Roper, managing director of leading home and garden retailer Blue Diamond, with 40 outlets. Other events from BHETA include a Brexit Q&A with logistics expert Dachser and a look at hybrid working with Ellis Whittam. See www.bheta.co.uk. To register for BHETA’s events, contact Helen Farnell at the BHETA Member Services Team on 0121 237 1130 or alternatively, email on hf@bheta.co.uk
Top: An Ocado delivery: sales have boomed over the past year. The retailer launched its partnership with M&S Food in September 2020.
