Kirkland’s launches in-home delivery service
Kirkland's Inc. is now providing last-mile delivery and light assembly to customers.
The specialty retailer of home décor and furnishings is partnering with supply chain/fleet management solutions provider Ryder System Inc. to offer its new in-home delivery service. The nationwide program first test-launched in more than 25 major markets in June 2022, and is expected to be rolled out across the lower 48 U.S. states by the end of July 2022.
Supported by Ryder's technology and capabilities, the company's in-home delivery service will provide its customers a new solution that allows for the delivery, light assembly, and packaging disposal of large home décor, outdoor and furniture products for a flat fee.
Retailers deliver furniture assembly
Kirkland’s is the latest in a line of retailers offering assembly services to go along with furniture assembly. In 2021, Amazon piloted a new premium offering to have its delivery drivers also assemble large items, such as furniture.
The service enabled customers to have furniture and appliances assembled and/or installed by the same personnel who deliver them. The test offering built upon the functionality of Amazon Home Services, an online marketplace that allows customers to purchase and schedule a wide range of professional services (including assembly/installation) in less than 60 seconds.
Meanwhile, a number of other retailers participating in the furniture and appliance spaces, including Lowe’s, Walmart, BJ’s, and Wayfair, have partnered with third-party assembly/installation platforms such as Handy.
"Launching our new in-home delivery program through an industry-leading partner like Ryder is a pivotal milestone in the transformation of Kirkland's Home," said Steve "Woody" Woodward, president and CEO of Kirkland's Home. "As we continue to evolve our merchandise mix into high-quality designs with a value-centric mindset, it was necessary to upgrade our logistics capabilities and make it easier for customers to enjoy our products.
“Utilizing Ryder's proven platform, which manages in-home delivery for many of our peers in the home-furnishing space, gives us the utmost confidence that consumers will have a seamless and positive experience receiving furniture and bulky items directly to their homes,” said Woodward. “We believe that this program has the potential to expand our customer base and allows our offerings to be more competitive than ever before."
"We look forward to working with Kirkland's Home to help deliver a seamless customer experience from the point of purchase all the way to the customer's home," said Steve Sensing, president of supply chain solutions for Ryder. "With our extensive distribution network across the U.S., we are well-positioned to facilitate the anticipated demand generated by the new in-home delivery service. Ryder has facilitated in-home delivery services for some of the most notable brands in the home furnishings space, and we are pleased to add Kirkland's Home to that list."
Kirkland's, Inc. is a specialty retailer of home furnishings in the United States, currently operates 359 stores in 35 states, as well as an e-commerce website, under the Kirkland's Home brand.