Home Depot to invest in tech and supply chain upgrades
The Home Depot reportedly plans to invest $300 million on technology and supply chain upgrades during its fiscal year 2014, which begins in February 2014. According to the Wall Street Journal, the results will include three new fulfillment centers in California, Atlanta and Ohio by 2016, as well as same-day shipping for some online orders.
The new centers will dramatically increase the number of orders the chain can ship the same day they are received, which significantly expands the number of orders it will be able to deliver within two days or less. With this same day shipping capability, these centers are geographically positioned to leverage parcel freight carriers' networks to deliver 90% of customers' parcel orders within two days, using economical ground service. For example, when the network is complete, most customers will be able to order on a Wednesday by 5 p.m. with the product delivered by Friday, according to Home Depot.
Home Depot’s total sales are expected to reach $79 billion during fiscal 2013, aided by a boost is online sales. Other new programs for the upcoming fiscal year may include expanded in-home assembly and installation services.