12 May 2014

Kathmandu ramps up for increased online sales

12:37 pm on 12 May 2014

Kathmandu is ramping up its New Zealand distribution centre in anticipation of growing online sales.

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Photo: 123rf

The outdoor equipment and clothing retailer is expanding the facility in Christchurch by more than a third.

Kathmandu shares jumped last week after it announced third quarter sales were up 3.6 percent compared with the same period last year.

The company says the expansion of the distribution centre will support its growth plans.

This includes increasing sales at its New Zealand stores and online, as well as its focus on international opportunities.

The existing distribution centre, located at the Portlink development in Heathcote, is 5000 square metres and will be increased to 7800 square metres.

Kathmandu says the investment is a significant project for the company and it's particularly optimistic about its growing online sales, which currently account for 4.7 percent of the business.

The company extended the number of countries it delivers to earlier this year and now ships to more than 40 countries.

It plans to increase the number of international orders from the Christchurch facility.

The centre, which also services the New Zealand network of 46 stores, will remain open during the project.