Leeds-based retail logistics firm Clipper Logistics plc announced it has signed a contract with John Lewis to provide “additional e-commerce and store replenishment services” from Clipper’s new distribution centre in Bardon, near Leicester.

The new contract will create 200 jobs.

“This is in addition to a range of existing services that Clipper currently provides for John Lewis including returns management for e-commerce products, forward orders for furniture, pre-retail operations for clothing suppliers,” said Clipper.

“In addition, the joint venture Clicklink provides click and collect services for John Lewis e-commerce customer orders to Waitrose and Co-op stores nationwide, as well click and collect services for many other retailers.

“The extended operation is initially for a minimum term of three years and the Bardon facility comprises 317,000 square feet of warehousing space.

“To support the new contract, c.200 new jobs will be created at the Bardon facility.

“It is anticipated that the Bardon operation will go live later this month.

“The additional facility follows work provided by Clipper back in Autumn / Winter 2020 to support John Lewis’ e-commerce and store replenishment as part of its peak relief operation last Christmas.

“This temporary support has now developed into a three-year additional contract.”

Clipper executive chairman Steve Parkin said: “We are delighted to extend our relationship with John Lewis and remain proud to support their e-commerce and store replenishment operations.

“Clipper is very much the go-to provider of end-to-end services in the online retailing space.”

John Lewis supply chain director Mark Robinson said: “John Lewis are pleased to extend our long-standing relationship of over 20 years with Clipper who continue to have an excellent reputation for delivering rapid and effective logistics solutions.

“We look forward to continuing our collaborative working relationship in the years to come.”