Harding Brothers improves Caribbean distribution

Gavin Lipsith

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New central ordering system simplifies buying process and reduces out-of-stock situations

Cruise concessionaire Harding Brothers has reported stronger sales in this year’s Caribbean cruise season as a result of a new central ordering system. Previously ordering was done on a ship-by-ship basis, but new functionality has simplified the process and reduced out-of-stock situations dramatically, according to the company.

Harding Brothers managing director Harold Gittelmon said that the company had centralised the ordering process after having trouble with replenishment. He said in the August 15 issue of DFNI: “Because the lead times were very long, particularly with items such as watches and clothing, we found we had supply issues with the Caribbean season. And the local supply is very variable in terms of quality.”

Gittelmon said that setting up an efficient local supply chain in the Caribbean could be problematic because of the fast pace of development in the market. But he said that Harding Brothers had tied up with Hellmans Worldwide Logistics and GO Logistics—two competing companies based in Miami—and that this, combined with the new ordering process, had boosted sales.

“We have had virtually no replenishment issues this past Caribbean season, and we now predict sales will continue to grow strongly, in particular on our Caribbean routes,” he said.

Gittelmon also said that trading hours were a challenge on Caribbean routes—as ship outlets are only allowed to open three miles from land—and the growing quality of land-based stores in the region was also a factor.