Retail group unveils R 300 million new headquarters and distribution centre for Southern Africa
JOHANNESBURG, 21 July 2022: The Cotton On Group has long been loved for the brands and trend-driven value products it has brought to South Africa’s shores, such as Cotton On, Typo and Factorie. Now, the retail group has taken its presence in the region further by investing in a R 300 million custom-built new central office and distribution centre in Waterfall, Gauteng’s latest growth node. The new premises will not only demonstrate the group’s commitment to sustainability but will further enhance their customer experience given its strategic location.
Situated in Waterfall Logistics Hub, construction of the 22 000 sqm purpose-built campus commenced in January 2021, and since June 2022, 2.2 million units – more than 100 truckloads of stock have been moved from Cotton On’s former premises in Pomona to its new state of the art premises.
Attacq Development Executive, David Oosthuizen says: “Waterfall connects sector players to a like‐minded community of shared interests and goals. Welcoming a strong brand such as Cotton On to the Logistics Hub solidifies the precinct’s ability to attract blue-chip businesses due to its combination of visibility and accessibility along national logistics routes, as well as its proximity to Waterfall’s retail and lifestyle offering. These factors not only promote a quality work-life balance for employees but also enhances commercial optimisation and operational success.”
Featuring one of the fastest supply chains in the world, the new campus is geared to processing 6 000 e-commerce orders per day, 200 000 units to its retail network daily and over 20 million units per year. The centre features Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) storage and a pick mezzanine for unitised picking for store, wholesale and e-commerce orders. Built for growth and scale, an additional 50% of space will cater for future e-commerce processing.
In line with Waterfall’s environmental sustainability priorities, the headquarters and distribution centre combine grey water harvesting, a 200 kWp solar power plant, LED lighting, proximity sensors to reduce energy usage and an indigenous landscape. Additionally, the company is currently transitioning all plastic polybags to be made with recycled plastic.
Oosthuizen adds: “As with all of Attacq’s developments, Waterfall Logistics Hub prioritises environmental sustainability. All buildings are custom-built with a strong focus on integration, flexibility and efficiency across the warehouse component and offices. We welcome Cotton On, who are a great fit and committed to similar ESG goals.”
As businesses adapt to new ways of working and innovating, the Cotton On campus comprises open workspaces that encourage conversation and collaboration. Each of the company’s divisions has its own brand room that represents the core themes of its brand. Break out pods and sitting areas are available for meetings, to take calls or just catch a breather.
Another common passion and focus between Waterfall and Cotton On are its people and ensuring a harmonious environment for all. As such, the Southern African headquarters and distribution centre puts its employees and their wellness at the heart of its operations. Both the head office and warehouse staff enjoy the same facilities and services with welcoming entrances and chill areas replicated at both entry points. There is a state-of-the-art gym with personal trainers available, meal delivery services, coffee machines, WI-FI, and plants to increase productivity and replenish focus.
“Our products are pretty magical and so is our team. The new bespoke site has been designed to deliver the best possible experience for our customers and to provide our team with a great place to work,” said Natalie Wills, Country Manager for the Cotton On group. “The campus was designed with a ‘People First’ culture approach, which underpins what our brand stands for, puts us in good stead to continue our excellent customer service processes, and is an extension of our commitment to making a positive impact in all areas of our business,” she added.
Leading brands such as BMW Group SA, Cummins, Massbuild, Vantage, Dis-Chem, Pirtek, Zimmer Biomet, Superga, GloTool and Dimension Data also call Waterfall home ‐ and use the precinct’s many benefits to underpin their daily business operations and strategic goals.
