Hermes Fulfilment Takes Over Returns Operations from bonprix

The Hermes Fulfilment Group based in Hamburg is further expanding its international network of locations. Starting from the beginning of the upcoming financial year on March 1, 2025, the central logistics service provider of the Otto Group will take over the returns operations of the fashion brand bonprix, which is also a company of the Otto Group, in Lodz, Poland.

(Hamburg/Lodz) “This not only strengthens our position in Poland but also accelerates our dynamic development towards becoming one of the most successful B2C fulfillment service providers in European e-commerce,” emphasizes Kevin Kufs, CEO of Hermes Fulfilment.

The returns operations in Lodz have been successfully managed by bonprix for over 20 years, and it includes a small warehouse for large items. It is located about 130 kilometers southwest of the capital Warsaw. On a total area of approximately 12,600 square meters, up to 50 million items can be processed annually. At 220 assessment stations, the goods are carefully checked for damages and fitting traces. Depending on the need, stains are removed, buttons are sewn on, and garments are ironed. Items classified as like new are manually repackaged and then transported for restocking to the shipping center in Haldensleben (Saxony-Anhalt). The operations there specialize in the logistical handling of bonprix’s fashion range and are also operated by Hermes Fulfilment.

Up to 500 Employees

Up to 500 employees are responsible for returns processing in Lodz. For them, little will change as a result of the transfer of operations, except for the name of the employer. “All jobs will be retained,” says Kevin Kufs, “because in the future, bonprix will continue to handle all returns from Europe in Lodz and remain present there with the other business areas.” Tomasz Mroz, previously the managing director of the fashion brand in Lodz, has also transitioned to Hermes Fulfilment as part of the transfer of operations. Maja Biernacka, the second managing director of bonprix in Poland, will take over sole management. Through the transition of the returns operations, bonprix can now focus on its core business of fashion and simultaneously benefit from having a familiar partner in Hermes Fulfilment as its logistics service provider. Tomasz Mroz’s task at Hermes Fulfilment is to ensure a smooth logistics process in Lodz and to oversee the further development of the second returns operation in western Poland’s Ilowa. In Ilowa, Hermes Fulfilment began handling returned goods on a 20,000 square meter area in 2023. Under full load, up to 40 million returned items can be logistically processed there.

Strengthening Competencies

“I am pleased that with the integration of the long-standing bonprix location, we are seizing the opportunity to further expand our international network and link the returns operations in Lodz with our returns processing in Ilowa,” explains Kevin Kufs. In Ilowa, returned goods from the mail-order company OTTO are processed, primarily clothing, shoes, jewelry, and small electrical items. In direct proximity to the returns operation there, Hermes Fulfilment has been operating a nine-hall shipping center since 2024, which sets standards in logistics due to its usable area of 268,000 square meters and its modern technology. “By incorporating the returns operations in Lodz into our network, we strengthen the competencies of our now three operations in Poland and continuously develop them further,” says Kevin Kufs.

Foundation for Further Growth Laid

Hermes Fulfilment’s strategic goal is to be among the three most successful B2C fulfillment service providers in parcel and large item logistics in European e-commerce by 2028. Kevin Kufs: “With our logistics centers in Germany and additional locations in Switzerland, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Poland, we have laid the foundation for further growth.”

Photo: © Hermes Fulfilment