As we all know, things were a bit of a mess this year, but let’s see how GW is addressing warehouse issues and allocations in 2021.
GW released their half-year financial report recently and in there, other than financials obviously, they also had some interesting notes about shipping and moving into the future. Everything was a mess this year, to say the least. And with how much they increased their sales, it only makes sense they had issues. They recognized how big some of them were and even apologized to customers for many of the issues.
They hit record profits but allocated like crazy to Local Game Stores, which didn’t sit well with many people. Things are starting to look up on that front, but we’ll see how it plays out. While we’re not saying GW has handled this amazingly, at least they are starting to address some of the issues.
Let’s hope this means good things moving forward.
How They are Dealing with Warehouse Issues in 2021
Below is an excerpt from their financial report:
Logistics projects have progressed significantly during the period. The planned increase in warehousing capacity in Memphis is nearing completion with all hardware, equipment, and infrastructure elements in place and new IT systems entering the final testing phases in preparation for go-live. In the UK, the construction of our new East Midlands Gatewayhub near Nottingham has been finished and an interim instance of our warehouse management solution has been implemented enabling us to ‘insource’ our component logistics operation into the new site from a third party. We’ve had a few teething issues bringing components stock back in-house all of which will be resolved soon. Robotics solutions, mirroring those deployed in Memphis, are on track to be implemented for the UK finished goods operation during the summer of 2021.
They even apologized for some of the warehouse issues as of late too, which was nice.
During December our warehouse capacity in Memphis was on occasions stretched to its limits and despite an incredible team performance, our service levels were not as great as we would have liked. We apologize to our customers for any inconvenience caused and appreciate the support they showed us during the period.
A rare apology, but we’ll take it. Even though they annoy us sometimes, let’s be honest we want to see the game keep growing and give the hobby we all love that much more life.
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More Manufacturing on the Way
Google Street view of where they’re adding on
On top of the warehouses, they are also purchasing new buildings in the UK to keep up with demand. They even mention something in there about making more paint and resin minis, but that’s a whole nother story. The 9th edition 40k release was the biggest they’ve ever had, so they decided they need more space should they ever look to exceed those sales. Here are some of their plans:
With operational recovery now under control, we have restarted the next phase of our manufacturing roadmap which is focused on maximizing the output from our current two sites; our manufacturing manager simply calls them Factory 1 and Factory 2. We are also securing a further piece of land adjacent to Factory 2, to give us future options. Factory 1 is being redesigned and at Factory 2 the machines are in and working in the second tool room, and will be followed by additional injection moulding capacity scheduled to be operational in spring of 2021. Exciting times!
Allocations and Backups
The worst part of all the shipping issues was the allocation to LGS. While it sucks to order something and have it take forever to get to you. Nothing is worse than your FLGS getting one copy of everything! How can a store make money that way? Well, they can’t. We actually think the backup in factions is a good thing (in a way). Because instead of getting one or two of everything, this latest release saw stores get 30 books and 5 of everything else.
With Hedonites taking over the releases soon, 40k players may just have to wait. Still, if they can actually deliver a better release, it’s worth the extra couple of months.
What do you think about the year from GW? Do you think the new factories will help?
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About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
