Collaborative supply chain efficiency: How C.H. Robinson drives continuous improvement for a leading retailer

As a leader in U.S. retail pharmacies, one company is dedicated to making quality care more affordable, accessible, simple, and seamless. With around 9,000 retail locations, the company provides a broad range of products—from makeup to multivitamins and beyond—for consumers across the United States.

As a pharmacy pioneer, the company continuously strives to enhance its supply chain operations. For over a decade, C.H. Robinson has been their primary logistics provider domestically. The long-term relationship is founded on mutual trust and a shared commitment to excellence. Together, the companies work to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of essential products to the vast network of stores.

The goal with Lean continuous improvement and Lean AI is to always push the boundaries of what’s possible, especially in the supply chain. That’s where C.H. Robinson comes in. Retail and healthcare logistics experts at C.H. Robinson consistently bring fresh perspectives and inventive solutions to the table that keep the retailer ahead in the market.

Using an integrated suite of global services across four key areas, C.H. Robinson provides flexible freight transportation options that adapt to changing consumer demand and enhance efficiency, visibility, and performance across their supply chain.

• Consolidating consumer health products: C.H. Robinson streamlines the delivery of consumer health products like vitamins and personal protective equipment (PPE) by consolidating shipments. The extensive consolidation program handles approximately 126,000 purchase orders annually, grouping products from over 100 brands into an average of 5,000 full truckloads each year. Consolidation not only reduces shipping costs but also maximizes use of trailer space and minimizes transit times.
  
  
• Refreshing seasonal beauty product displays: Twice a year, C.H. Robinson supports up to 3,000 locations with highly efficient last-mile delivery services. These efforts, typically conducted in spring and fall, update end caps for beauty brands. Using a hub-and-spoke model, C.H. Robinson removes existing end caps and installs new merchandise displays, providing a fresh and updated look in stores, saving time for store employees.
  
  
• Building and remodeling store locations: For new stores or locations undergoing renovations, C.H. Robinson manages the delivery and installation of store fixtures—from lighting to flooring. This service relies on direct communication with general contractors onsite. The seamless coordination between C.H. Robinson and contractors minimizes added work for employees and facilitates smooth store openings and remodels.
  
  
• Transporting seasonal goods inland: Seasonal goods require yet another approach to transport products from ports to distribution centers. For these seasonal items, C.H. Robinson helps optimize stock levels to meet consumer demand without delays. This process is further enhanced through transloading and palletization, which streamline the transfer of goods from ocean containers to domestic trailers, ensuring faster distribution. These services help reduce handling time and optimize storage space, allowing for more efficient delivery.

“C.H. Robinson offers a variety of innovative solutions that cater to the many aspects of our supply chain,” the retailer said. “Their unrivaled scale across modes and regions has been invaluable in maintaining our operational excellence.”

With customizable reports from their global customer platform, C.H. Robinson delivers a comprehensive view of the supply chain's performance, empowering the retailer to make data-backed decisions with confidence. With real-time data, it's possible to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as delivery times, inventory levels, and on-time-in full (OTIF) metrics. This level of visibility helps swiftly identify and address any issues before they impact compliance or operational efficiency.

“The real-time tracking and Power BI reporting provided by C.H. Robinson have been game-changers for us,” the retailer said. “The accurate data helps us stay compliant and make informed decisions, keeping continuous improvement opportunities top of mind.”

The relationship between the two companies delivers results. Through the comprehensive solutions and cutting-edge technology from C.H. Robinson, the retailer continues to see improvements across multiple key performance areas:

• 98% on-time delivery for pre-paid consolidated loads: One of the most notable achievements is averaging a 98% on-time delivery rate across all modes of transportation.
  
  
• 12,000 hours of labor saved by store employees annually: With C.H. Robinson eliminating store labor needs for seasonal beauty product installations, store employees can prioritize other critical operations, like customer service.

“The results speak for themselves,” the retailer said. “C.H. Robinson continues to be an invaluable provider in our supply chain success. With their help, we’ll continue to set new standards in our industry.”