The Cotton On group invested in an R300-million custom-built new central office and distribution centre in Johannesburg.

The space will, according to the group, further enhance its customer experience. Beyond signifying a commitment to the country, the new premises are an extension of the company's pledge to 'Doing Good' in all areas of its operations.

Earlier in 2022, the group published The Good Report, detailing sustainability as central to its purpose — making public its commitment to:
  • water
  • plastic and waste reduction
  • carbon neutrality
  • ethical sourcing
  • the use of recycled materials
  • sustainable packaging
  • uplifting women, and
  • the use of natural materials.
This ethos was central to the design and construction of the new premises, says the group.

The new site comprises:
  • grey water harvesting
  • a 200 kWp solar power plant
  • LED lighting
  • proximity sensors to reduce energy usage, and
  • an indigenous landscape,
The group says that the site was designed to operate with minimal impact to the environment. The company is currently transitioning all plastic polybags to be made with recycled plastic.

Featuring one of the fastest supply chains in the world, the 22 000 sqm warehouse is geared to:
  • processing 6 000 e-commerce orders per day
  • 200 000 units to its retail network daily, and
  • over 20 million units per year.
The centre features Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) storage and a pick mezzanine for unitised picking for store, wholesale and ecommerce orders. Built for growth and scale, an additional 50% of space will cater for future e-commerce processing.

Construction started in January 2021 and, since June 2022, 2.2 million units have been moved from the company’s former premises in Pomona to the new site — more than 100 truckloads of stock.

Not only is the new campus kind to the environment and highly efficient logistically, but employee wellness, safety and a harmonious work environment have also been prioritised.

Both the head office and warehouse staff enjoy the same facilities and services with welcoming entrances and chill areas replicated at the two entry points. There is:
  • a state-of-the-art gym with a personal trainer available
  • meal delivery services
  • coffee machines
  • wi-fi for all, and
  • plants to increase productivity and replenish focus.
Staff entry uses a facial recognition system.

The group says that open workspaces at the facility encourage conversation and collaboration. Each of the company's divisions has its own brand room that represents the core themes of its brand. Break-out pods and sitting areas are available for meetings to take calls or just catch a breather.

"Our products are pretty magical and so is our team," says Natalie Wills, country manager for the Cotton On group. "The new bespoke site has been designed to deliver the best possible experience for our customers and to provide our team with a great place to work."

"The campus was designed with a 'People First' culture approach, which underpins what our brand stands for, puts us in good stead to continue our excellent customer service processes and is an extension of our commitment to making a positive impact in all areas of our business," Wills concludes. 

For more information, visit www.cottonon.com. You can also follow Cotton On on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.