Shoe retailer Sarenza, and European supply chain company XPO Logistics, inaugurated a new logistics platform in Réau (Seine-et-Marne). The tailored, automated logistics solution is designed and operated by XPO Logistics to accommodate Sarenza’s European growth, and can be adapted to new online activities and service developments for Sarenza’s end customers.

François Hollande, President of the French Republic, came to support Sarenza’s expansion by presiding over the opening of the new facility.

President Hollande commended Sarenza in his remarks.“I wanted to come here to recognize a great success—that of your company,” he said. “We are able, in France, to be the best in invention, design, production, distribution and logistics. How do we achieve such a result? It takes entrepreneurs; that is unavoidable. You also need employees. If one link is missing, nothing is possible.”

France’s Banque Publique d’Investissement (BPI), created in 2012, has supported Sarenza with loans and also by participating in the investment. “In France, we have this possibility, this capacity,” said Hollande. “Sometimes we doubt it. When we look at what we can do, our country is capable of massive investment, and in the end, job creation.”

Since 2005, Sarenza, the leading French online shoe and accessories retailer, has developed its activities throughout Europe. Sarenza gradually carved out a leading position in the ecommerce market, with more than 50 percent of its revenues generated in Europe.

To support its rapid growth, Sarenza selected a logistics provider capable of meeting its stringent requirements for quality, speed and flexibility. XPO Logistics custom-built the new 200,000-square foot dedicated warehouse, including a 5,000-square foot photography studio for product images directly related to stock. XPO currently manages the storage of 2.6 million items per year for Sarenza, as well as order picking and shipment of around 6 million items per year.

“As a fully-fledged contributor to Sarenza’s growth, this new warehouse allows us to even better meet customer demand for stock availability, rapid fulfillment and parcel customization,” said Sarenza CEO Stéphane Treppoz. “Our customers will now have their orders processed in about 30 minutes after their online confirmation. We have built, with XPO Logistics, one of the most modern fashion distribution centers in Europe and in France, which makes us extremely proud.”