eBay moving closer to you (if you live in Europe)
In the past year, eBay has experienced double-digit growth, which made a focused expansion in Europe possible. In the second quarter of 2015, a new European fulfilment center will be opened in the Halle district, close to Leipzig, Germany. The new facility will span across approximately 26,000 square meters, will use more than 70 carriers and will offer 350 service options for deliveries throughout Europe. In this way, eBay will utilize the strategic location and shorter lead times, which will enable omni-channel growth for international retailers and brands.
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Levi Strauss will finance its ethical suppliers
Levi Strauss announced an initiative to finance its suppliers in order to help them meet labor, safety and environmental standards. The new plan was launched to boost Levi Strauss & Co social responsibility image and avoid future scandals or disasters related to the supply chain, which consists of about 550 suppliers across Asia and other regions. A lower-cost working capital would be provided to suppliers who perform the best in complying with labor, environmental and safety standards. The agreement is being arranged by working in partnership with the International Finance Corporation, which is the World Bank’s private sector arm. A number of similar initiatives, aiming to improve compliance with international safety rules, have been launched as a result of the 2013 Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh.
To read the full story, click here.
Shell is shining a light on its sourcing
Shell is aiming to make the process of sourcing more transparent for ethnic minority, female-owned businesses and small potential suppliers. An initiative called The Shell Diverse Supplier Pipeline Management System will help monitor the progress of different businesses which might become Shell suppliers in the future. It should also make Shell’s sourcing processes much simpler for small companies, and businesses owned by women and ethnic minorities. After the initial meeting with a Shell employee, a potential supplier will be sent a web link to provide additional information that will be stored in the Supplier Pipeline database. Then, an appropriate contact from Shell or their prime suppliers will be assigned, who will track the whole procurement process.
To read the full story, click here.
Have a nice weekend!