Varner improves supply chain resilience and efficiency with APM Terminals

Varner, one of the Nordic region’s leading fashion groups with brands such as Bik Bok, Carlings, Cubus and Dressmann, relies heavily on efficient logistics to manage significant volumes of goods shipped primarily from Asia. These products arrive at APM Terminals in Gothenburg, Sweden, before heading to Varner’s highly automated distribution centre in Vänersborg, in the country’s southwestern region.

“Our manufacturing offices ensure quality and compliance with corporate social responsibility before shipping, while our agents closely monitor transportation,” explains Anna Sahlén, Import Manager at Varner. “Once goods arrive at APM Terminals, we coordinate closely to schedule timely deliveries to our warehouse”.

Navigating global shipping disruptions

Recent geopolitical events and disruptions, particularly in the Red Sea, significantly impacted Varner’s global supply chains. They faced new challenges with extended lead times and rising costs, and needed to find an urgent solution.

"Initially, we faced an additional two-week delay as reported by shipping lines and freight forwarders," says Anders Eriksson, Supply Chain Director at Varner. "At times, we had to resort to air transport, despite the higher costs and lower sustainability, to meet customer expectations”.   

Partnering with APM Terminals

Varner intensified its collaboration with APM Terminals Gothenburg, prioritising stability and reliability over shorter lead times. The terminal’s alliances with  MSC’s Swan service and Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd’s Gemini Cooperation  gave Varner broader logistical options, enabling greater flexibility and reliability.

“Immediate docking at APM Terminals Gothenburg provided the stability we needed,” says Eriksson. “The services offered by APM Terminals, including direct traffic, hub-and-spoke  solutions, transshipment and short-sea traffic, have allowed us to adapt more dynamically to evolving market conditions”. Hub-and-spoke solutions, in particular, enable Varner to route cargo through key central ports for efficient distribution to regional destinations, enhancing flexibility and reach across complex supply chains.

Improved reliability and customer satisfaction

Varner has successfully integrated APM Terminals’ flexible service offerings into its logistics strategy, benefiting from immediate docking and potentially adaptable hub-and-spoke models. The collaboration has significantly improved reliability, ensuring consistent and predictable deliveries despite geopolitical challenges.

Additionally, Varner completed a new Autostore solution dedicated to online sales in 2023, allowing them to effectively handle increased volumes and offer faster deliveries.

“With the new solutions in place, an e-commerce customer can often receive their goods just one day after ordering,” notes Sahlén.

“A properly functioning shipping route to Gothenburg is essential for our supply chain," concludes Sahlén. "APM Terminals has proactively met our needs, and we look forward to continued cooperation in the coming years”.