Chicago Fisher Storeroom Consolidation

Fisher Scientific is an important partner of Northwestern University, and we are continuously reviewing how they can best support the research community while driving operational efficiencies and cost savings. The current contract is in place through 2031.

As a result of these ongoing assessments and discussions, we have decided to consolidate the Fisher storerooms in Chicago down to one location. CHICA (in the basement of Ward) will close on Friday, August 28.  The Simpson Querrey storeroom will be enhanced (product offering and services) to make sure it meets the needs of campus. 

The decision was based on several factors, including a decline in overall usage across both storerooms and an opportunity to further optimize storeroom management by driving consolidation into additional price savings.  This initiative is will:

• Improve efficiency and streamline operations
• Drive additional price savings to end-users
• Reduce duplication of items available
• Maintain a clear process to support same-day delivery needs where required
• Fisher has a robust catalog in iBuyNU to accommodate the majority of purchases with next day delivery. The storerooms can accommodate same day needs for standard items as well as the distribution of safety related items that are provided by Research Safety.

By strategically consolidating the storerooms, Fisher can reduce overhead and reinvest those efficiencies into more competitive pricing while maintaining the service levels Northwestern University has come to expect.

If you have concerns or would like to discuss further, please contact Anthony Murphy at anthony.murphy@northwestern.edu.