Prioritize location relative to key motorways and the Port of Southampton, dock door and yard capacity, throughput metrics (orders/hr), IT integration (WMS/EDI/API), carrier connectivity and SLA flexibility. Also evaluate seasonal scalability, reverse logistics capability, and landed cost impacts for cross‑channel shipments.

Port proximity reduces dray times and customs dwell, improving inventory velocity for ocean imports. Direct links to the M3/M27 shorten trucking lanes to London and the south coast, lowering fuel and driver costs and enabling tighter cutoffs for next‑day delivery and same‑day regional distribution.

Insist on a modern WMS with real‑time inventory, barcode scan/voice pick support, integrated carrier management, returns processing, kitting/assembly services, and transparent KPI reporting. APIs for order flow and inventory sync are critical for omnichannel accuracy and fast fulfilment cycles.

Expect lower rent and labor costs in Hampshire versus Greater London, but balance against slightly longer domestic transit for some urban deliveries. Evaluate total landed cost: facility rates, transport lanes, inventory carrying, and service levels. Use volume projections to model break‑even points for regional vs central London locations.