XPO Logistics, Inc., a leading global provider of transportation and logistics solutions, was selected by Michaels Stores, Inc. to design a distribution strategy for 500,000 artificial Christmas trees. The trees are a best-selling item for the arts and crafts retail leader with over 1,200 stores in North America.

XPO collaborated with Michaels to formulate a strategy that staged and delivered multiple waves of the Christmas trees across Michaels’ North American footprint of stores in fewer than 25 days. This met the retailer’s objective of adding vital capacity to its distribution network during peak holiday demand.

“It takes innovative thinking and great flexibility to solve a challenge of this magnitude,” said Rich Markovich, vice president of global transportation for Michaels Stores. “XPO’s capacity, technology and can-do attitude meant that we were able to serve our stores and our customers extremely well.”

“We thrive on tackling large and complex assignments,” said Ken Zoller, senrior vice president for strategic accounts at XPO Logistics. “For Michaels, we assembled a SWAT team of experts from our brokerage, less-than-truckload, logistics and technology operations. Our employees are proud to have made this special holiday delivery a success.”

XPO Logistics is a top ten global logistics provider, operating as a highly integrated network of people, technology and physical assets in 34 countries, with over 86,000 employees and 1,425 locations. XPO uses its network to help more than 50,000 customers manage their goods more efficiently throughout their supply chains.

Michaels Stores, the largest arts and crafts specialty retailer in North America, has 1,262 stores in the United States and Canada. The company had $4.7 billion in sales in 2014.