Boost for region as 250 jobs created

The Clipper site in Selby is to create an extra 250 jobs, after the depot signed a contract with online retailer ASOS to manage its UK and European returns.

The contract will see Clipper accept and process millions of items of returned clothing every year, from ASOS customers throughout the UK and Europe.

Sean Hallows, operations director of Clipper, said: “With the massive recent growth in online retail, Clipper has helped some of the UK’s biggest retailers cope with the sudden shift in UK and European buying habits. With over 12 million registered users, ASOS.com is an online megabrand.

“Handling returns is as important to the customer experience as buying in the first place. Customers expect a system in place to quickly process their returned goods, and where appropriate, make refunds.

“As an international logistics expert, we’re proud of our Yorkshire heritage and delighted that this will bring another 250 jobs to our Selby site.”

The distribution warehouse will be responsible for unpacking and quality checking returns and then ensuring they are quickly available for re-sale.

ASOS sells clothing in 190 countries worldwide, with 64 per cent of sales coming from outside of the UK, while Clipper has an expertise in fashion, returns, and European logistics handling.

Masood Choudhry, logistics director of ASOS said: “Clipper were selected to manage our returns operation due to their focus on customer service, agility in approach, and the ability to support ASOS business growth efficiently.”

The returns operation for ASOS will be carried out at the existing Clipper shared-user site in Selby.

The announcement coincided with ASOS, which also operates a distribution centre in Barnsley unveiling huge rises in sales and customer numbers.

ASOS on course for celebrity status: Page 17.