Online success for Birmingham retailers

Online retailer WAE+ has unveiled sales figures for the first six months of its financial year, at £4.48 million, compared to previous six months at £1.4 million.  

The figures support a period of significant growth for the Birmingham based business, which aims to achieve a £9 million turnover in its second year.

Following record Christmas sales figures, WAE+ has continued to build upon its success with the online retailer now averaging over 6,500 customer orders per month. This figure is rising quickly: For example, sales figures for April already 20% higher on March.

Ben Slater, Operations Director at WAE+, said: “We are delighted to report a successful first half year with sales and profits on the increase. WAE+ now has to establish the next stage of growth, supported by our recent move to larger premises. We are looking forward to adding more lines, including health and beauty products, while expanding our existing ranges.”

Early in 2013, WAE+ relocated to a new distribution centre in Birmingham with office space to accommodate a workforce which is forecast to increase by 50% over the next two years. This means that WAE+ is able to fulfil increasing orders while maintaining high levels of customer service. Since moving, the company has extended its working hours from 8am to 8pm in response to rising demand and has recruited 10 new team members, increasing its workforce from 16 to 26.

WAE+’s new distribution centre houses a 15,000 sq ft on-site warehouse and the decision to move to a larger warehouse is proving invaluable as WAE+ has one of the widest product ranges provided by a UK online retailer. Improved despatch times are also having a major impact on the online retailer’s success, with newly automated packaging processes and forklift truck access allowing for swifter fulfilment of orders.

For more information about WAE+, visit www.waeplus.co.uk or call 0121 663 0433.