Primo opening Charlotte distribution center

CHARLOTTE — Primo International is opening a 70,000-square-foot distribution center here, in a move that will improve speed and other services to its customers east of the Mississippi.

The Canada-based importer of upholstery, case goods and bedding began moving into what will be a state-of-the-art facility Nov. 1. Located off Interstate 77 near Fort Mill, S.C., and Carowinds, the complex will replace a third-party-logistics warehouse the company is using in Hickory, N.C. 

The Charlotte DC will eventually employ at least 20 people, said Primo Senior Vice President John DeFalco. He declined to disclose the company’s investment but said the inventory investment alone at the facility will be several million dollars. 

The high-cubed, fully-racked center will feature a parts department and an area for light manufacturing of mattress products. What’s more, Primo also carved out a roughly 3,000-square-foot showroom space for area retail customers who want to drive in, browse and buy. DeFalco called the latter a “game-changer,” noting how the company will use the space to showcase its best-sellers and new introductions. Drive-in visitors will be able to view the lineup, buy what they want on the spot and take it with them, just as they do at Primo’s Ontario, Calif., and two Canada distribution centers.

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Primo chose the Charlotte location for its convenience to Southeast shipping lanes and easy highway access and distribution across the entire East Coast, DeFalco said. Also with the facility, the company is gaining controls and efficiencies it previously wasn’t afforded on the East Coast.

“When you use a 3PL, you’re restricted to their systems and their processes,” he said, adding that having its own Charlotte facility means customer orders no longer will have to go through an extra step before product is picked and prepped for delivery. It will all be real-time.

“When you run your own facility, you’re able to expand your service levels,” he said.

Primo’s California distribution center previously warehoused a much broader offering from the company, but, “now we’re going to be able to mirror programs on West Coast and East Coast while expanding our offering in both locations,” DeFalco added.

During the October High Point Market, for instance,  Primo introduced four new stocking programs, including a popular media sleeper program (a product that combines the function of a sleeper sofa with storage and gaming capabilities); eight stationary leather upholstery groups; a power-recline lift chair program; and four new gamer chairs. All of them, DeFalco said, will be stocked in both U.S. warehouses. 

It’s also adding to the stocking program a new handcrafted dining collection, recliners and two fabric motion living room groups, featuring sectionals, sofas, loveseats and chairs. All goods are expected to arrive in its warehouses next month for  January deliveries.

The company expects the Charlotte facility to be fully up and running by Dec. 1.

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