Diamond Comics Distributors has lost a lot of comics companies as clients – Marvel, DC, Image, IDW, Dark Horse, and so on. And now they are shutting down their Plattsburgh, NY warehouse, one of two facilities that ship out products to comics shops.
The move was described as a “strategic decision to consolidate its warehousing to improve overall efficiency and better serve its customers and partners.” All of Diamonds shipping and receiving operations will now go through its Olive Branch, Mississippi facility starting in November 2024.
They are also phasing out regional drop points and consolidating their shipping carriers, beginning with products on sale starting November 27, 2024.
The move is clearly a cost cutting measure, and with fewer products going through Diamond’s system, likely a sensible move. However it left Canadian retailers, in particular, upset: Plattsburgh was very close to Montreal, where many comics are still printed, and that proximity is one of the reason why the 108,000 sq. ft facility was opened in the first place.
Canadian retailers are also worried about the closure of drop points: picking up comics was more convenient (and perhaps cheaper) for many. However, all of this is also part of Diamond’s shift to a flat rate 3% shipping charge.
While the ultimate results of this move are still unknown (perhaps our Canadian retailing correspondent will investigate) Diamond did explain just how the shift will work:
In preparation for this transition, Diamond has communicated the following key dates to its vendors, printers, and retailers:
- Final Plattsburgh Shipments: Products with an on-sale date of November 20, 2024, will be the last to ship from Plattsburgh.
- Carrier consolidation will begin with products on sale November 27, 2024
- We will be reducing the number of regional drop points used for deliveries. Impacted locations that will no longer be used include Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, and all Canadian centers.
- All shipments, except those to the remaining drop points, will go through UPS, FedEx, Canpar, or USPS. Larger orders may use LTL freight carriers.
- Shipping Address Update: If your shipping address needs to be updated, please contact Retailer Services as soon as possible.
- Flat Rate Shipping: U.S. Customers who previously picked up at the Baltimore, Boston, and Chicago drop points will switch to our 3% standard flat rate shipping.
- Canpar Deliveries: These will continue to be handled as they have been.
- COD Billing: Retailers in the U.S. and Canada paying by COD will be billed one week in arrears to ensure accuracy and provide time for check payments. More details will be shared by email soon.
Diamond is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all involved and will continue to provide updates to employees, partners, and customers.
English (US) · 