The innovative 'Ship from Store' logistics approach is revolutionizing the way retailers manage their online orders. Instead of shipping products from a centralized warehouse, this approach enables orders to be prepared and dispatched directly from in-store stocks.
This offers numerous advantages, such as shorter delivery times, optimized inventory and reduced logistics costs. In addition, 'Ship from Store' enhances the customer experience by offering faster delivery services and simpler returns options, while integrating stores into a wider Omnichannel strategy. However, this method also entails difficulties, particularly in terms of real-time inventory management and staff training.
When applied to the luxury sector, 'Ship from Store' maintains the personalization and exclusivity expected by customers, while meeting high expectations in terms of speed and premium service.
What is 'Ship from Store'?
Ship from Store is a logistics strategy in which customers' online orders are prepared and dispatched directly from physical store inventories, rather than from a central warehouse.
By adopting this approach, retailers can reduce delivery times, optimize inventories and cut transport costs.

An overview of the concept
Order reception :
Customers place orders online via the retailer's website or app. Order management systems (OMS) identify the store closest to the customer's delivery address with the stock needed to ship the order.
Order preparation :
In-store employees prepare orders by retrieving items directly from the shelves or backroom.
Packaging and shipping :
Once the items have been assembled, they are packed for shipment.
The order is then handed over to a delivery service or transported by local delivery networks for rapid dispatch to the customer's home.
A solution for...
Shorter delivery times :
Orders shipped from a store close to the customer's address can be delivered faster than those shipped from a central warehouse.
Inventory optimization :
Retailers can use in-store stock to fulfill online orders, avoiding overstocking in some stores and out-of-stocks in others. This limits inventory in the network
Lower logistics costs :
By shipping from the nearest store, transport and delivery costs are often reduced.
Handling returns and exchanges directly in stores also helps to cut costs.
Improving the Customer Experience :
Faster delivery and better customer service options (such as simpler returns and exchanges) improve customer satisfaction.
Optimal use of stores :
Physical stores are better integrated into the retailer's Omnichannel strategy, expanding their role beyond simple points of sale.
Challenges for ship from store
Real-time inventory management :
Retailers need to adopt unified commerce software to ensure accurate real-time inventory visibility to avoid overselling or out-of-stocks. They also need to choose tools that match their desired delivery models.
Training and managing sales teams:
Store staff need to be trained in online order management and shipping, which may require changes to the store's day-to-day operations.
Logistics infrastructure :
Stores need to be equipped to handle the packing and shipping of orders, which may involve investment in specialized equipment and software.
Coordination of returns :
Product returns need to be managed effectively, which may involve additional policies and processes for stores.
The specificities of luxury :
Ship from Store in the luxury goods industry is an innovative logistics strategy that enables us to meet customers' high expectations while optimizing the resources available in luxury boutiques.
This concept is often relevant in this sector, where luxury goods often offer a limited and exclusive network.
It seems that Ship from store in luxury companies could be a competitive advantage by improving :
Customization and exclusivity :
Luxury boutiques are often located in prestigious locations with an assortment of unique and exclusive products. Ship from Store gives customers access to these rare pieces, even when they are not available online or in central warehouses.
Responsiveness and speed:
In the luxury sector, customers expect fast, efficient service. Ship from Store speeds up delivery times by using local store inventories, ensuring immediate customer satisfaction.
Premium delivery
Last Mile' delivery can be better controlled. An exclusive, premium delivery method guarantees an optimal, personalized, top-of-the-range experience despite online ordering.

Univers Retail's approach through its expert Philippe Merckling!
There are 5 main stages in helping our customers deal with these issues:
- Ability to upload in-store inventory to the e-commerce front-end/implement a counter to secure inventory display
- OMS integration: order allocation rules based on available stocks, costs, processing capacity, etc.
- Adaptation of the customer journey and shopping cart on the website to validate the choice of store for in-store pick-up.
- Implementation of tools to help prepare orders in store, print documents (preparation slips, invoices, shipping labels) and monitor delivery to customers and carriers.
- Adapting the backroom with packing and shipping materials.