Menzies hub errors lead to distribution misery

Menzies hub errors in Coventry are causing late and missing magazine deliveries for retailers across the UK, sources have told Better Retailing.

Following a deal between Menzies Distribution and magazine distributors Frontline and Seymours signed in April this year, the wholesaler was made responsible for delivering most of the UK’s magazines to Smiths News and Menzies depots, which are then sent out to 25,000 shops.

However, several sources told Better Retailing that standards had fallen since the deal, leading to frequent delays, and availability issues.

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One source shared evidence with Better Retailing showing late deliveries by Menzies causing key magazines to arrive late into stores.

They also showed that undersupply by Menzies was causing depots further down the chain to have to under supply major titles into shops, while supplies of niche titles to some stores were cut completely.

Another source claimed the departure of senior staff at the brand-new Coventry Menzies hub was behind the problems.

Brian Webb of Webbs in Leverington, Cambridgeshire, told Better Retailing delivery lateness had led to complaints from his customers. “My copies of Farmers Weekly were missing, and Smiths News said it was because Menzies had delivered them late into their depot,” he said.

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“Worst of all, Smiths News said there were no staff over the weekend to pack them, so they wouldn’t arrive until the following Tuesday. I’ve had several angry calls from customers because of it.”

NFRN news operations manager Peter Williamson added that a lack of availability was an issue. He told Better Retailing: “We are disappointed at the delays. Magazine shortages are becoming more apparent and we hope Menzies will take action.”

In response, a Menzies spokesperson told Better Retailing: “Our new magazine primary distribution depot has been brought online at pace over recent weeks, and, regrettably, we have experienced some service issues during this start-up period.”