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Apparel Fulfillment


Clothing and Apparel Logistics

The apparel industry faces many complex challenges when it comes to inventory management and order fulfillment. 

Why is accuracy so important for apparel fulfillment?


HOW IS INVENTORY MANAGED FOR APPAREL FULFILLMENT?

With a high volume of SKUs, poor inventory management can be an apparel brand killer.  Adding the fact that fashion and styles change quickly, brands can be left with aged, unsold product that loses value and costs money to store season-after-season.


Brands must balance fill rate with a disciplined SKU assortment strategy to keep inventory levels as lean as possible. Item activity level reporting from a modern warehouse management system can proactively help clothing brands identify slow moving inventory to make room for new seasonal merchandise. This active inventory management will help your fulfillment provider keep its slotting plan up to date and enable more efficient picking.


HOW IS SEASONALITY MANAGED FOR APPAREL FULFILLMENT?

Many apparel brands have seasonal surges in order volume. Whether it’s around the holidays, or through social media promotions or as the temperatures change, being able to scale your fulfillment capacity at these times is vitally important. When logistics companies can prepare for seasonal or promotional marketing events by leveraging communication, forecasting and planning, it drives improvements in order cycle time. Fulfillment providers can operate in a much more cost-effective and efficient manner when not in a “reactionary mode."


WHAT ARE THE PACKAGING DEMANDS FOR APPAREL FULFILLMENT?

Apparel packaging is an important consideration from both a branding and product protection standpoint. If an order is going directly to a consumer, the packaging and presentation is essential.  If an order is going to a retail outlet, the carton needs to be labeled properly to avoid chargebacks. To improve industry best practice is for master cartons and units to be barcoded and packaged with one style, size and color per carton.  Does your apparel, or a specific product line require hangers?  If so, your fulfillment facility will need dedicated hanging space.  Considerations and steps also need to be made if your inventory needs to be bagged, packaged, or folded in a certain way. 


WHAT VALUE-ADDED SERVICES ARE IMPORTANT FOR APPAREL FULFILLMENT?

Value-added services are an increasingly important consideration for apparel brands. Based on your specific needs and customer expectations, these additional options can offer a competitive advantage and reinforce your brand’s image. Packaging, kitting, bundling, labeling and personalization are five common and popular value-added services. Whether you need custom designed packaging or have a variety of components that need to be transformed into finished kits, there are different service options that can meet these needs.


HOW ARE RETURNS HANDLED FOR APPAREL FULFILLMENT?

Every warehouse is not for everyone, however, the relationship with Barrett has been more of a partnership and an extension of our company versus a traditional client-customer relationship. It is invaluable to have a partner who is just as equally invested in your success.

— eCommerce Apparel Retailer

our team has been doing a great job for us. We are subject to the vagaries of major customers, which often create logistical challenges. The Barrett team has been a great partner to support us in successfully navigating through those challenges.

— CEO Active Lifestyle Apparel Brand

The team works with and supports the changes in our business. As the business continues to grow, Barrett has grown with us, contributing to the success of our business.

— Luxury Apparel Retailer

Barrett understands how important it is to turn orders as quickly as possible to capitalize on our season. Their management of the Walmart inventory and assemblies has been great and has resulted in high OTIF scores.

— CEO Active Lifestyle Apparel Brand

APPAREL FULFILLMENT BLOG

By Katherine Wroth January 29, 2025
Franklin, Mass., Jan. 23, 2025 — Barrett Distribution Centers , a leader in third-party logistics (3PL) leader for over 82 years, is proud to announce its partnership with MISSION , a performance lifestyle brand. “Following a thorough search and review process, we selected Barrett based on their ability to provide a scalable, dependable and competitive Omni-Channel Warehouse and Managed Transportation Services solution,” said Lisa Lehan , COO of MISSION. “Their strategic location offers the foundation necessary to support our forecasted growth through D2C and B2B channels, making them the ideal partner for our next growth phase.” MISSION is dedicated to prioritizing comfort by providing a high level of cool in every environment, whether indoors or outdoors. As a performance lifestyle brand, MISSION focuses on innovative design to ensure that extreme heat and discomfort do not interfere with work, play, or daily experiences. The brand integrates heat health™, comfort, and performance into its offerings to facilitate peak performance during a variety of physical activities. MISSION’s journey is defined by action and a strong commitment to comfort and success. The brand prioritizes innovative cooling products that can be utilized across various activities. MISSION strives to achieve health and wellness goals through continual innovation, creating solutions that empower individuals to enhance their performance without allowing heat to hinder their efforts. “It’s a pleasure to reconnect with a fun, innovative and growing brand like MISSION,” said Mark Healy , VP of Customer 91¹ú²ú at Barrett. “I’m proud to call Lisa Lehan, MISSION’s COO, a friend, and the entire Barrett team is excited and honored to support the next phase of MISSION’s growth.” Barrett is set to launch the MISSION operation from the Memphis region , home to its robust network of high-growth apparel brands and robotics-driven pick solutions. About MISSION Founded in 2009 by a group of world-class athletes and heat safety experts, MISSION is the leader in head-to-toe cooling and heat-relief product innovations that enhance performance and safety for anyone who works, plays, or lives in the heat. MISSION's goals extend far beyond providing comfort; they aim to revolutionize health, wellness, productivity, and performance in the face of heat challenges. MISSION is distributed nationwide in over 25,000 retail stores and online, leading the market with patented and proprietary technologies. MISSION is the founding partner of the National Heat Safety Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving safety and performance in high-temperature environments for workers in the United States. Along with scientists, researchers, and industry leaders, the Coalition collaborates with public and private partners to set guidelines and raise awareness about heat safety standards. For more information, visit mission.com and follow us on Instagram @mission. About Barrett Distribution Centers Since 1941, Barrett has provided customized third-party logistics (3PL), direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce fulfillment, omnichannel distribution, managed transportation solutions, and retail compliance for clients across all industries, with a focus on apparel & footwear, health & beauty, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and education. Barrett continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, known for superior execution, customer engagement, and direct access to senior leadership decision-makers. As a member of Inc.'s fastest-growing companies list 15 times, Barrett is big enough to do the job and still small enough to care about your business deeply. eCommerce brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Barrett directly here . Official Release Here
By Katherine Wroth January 24, 2025
Industry Challenge In today’s logistics landscape, companies face hurdles such as fluctuating customer demand, rising costs due to inflation, and supply chain disruptions. To stay competitive, logistics providers must prioritize cost reduction and service quality. This entails adopting modern tools to offer customers greater visibility into their operations and associated costs. By leveraging analytics and enhancing transparency, companies can improve efficiency, streamline processes, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Barrett Specific Challenges Barrett, committed to customer satisfaction and operational excellence, encountered significant challenges: Customer Satisfaction : Customers demanded frequent and accurate visibility into supply chain operations, affecting our Net Promoter Score (NPS) and trust. Poor Visibility : Inadequate visibility across the supply chain caused delays and eroded customer trust, hindering proactive decision-making. Metric Visibility and Transparency : Limited visibility and manual metric calculations hindered meaningful insights and continuous improvement. Customer Communication/Working Relationship : Numerous inquiries strained resources, necessitating streamlined touchpoints and proactive communication. Feedback from clients underscored the urgency to revamp reporting and analytics for improved transparency and alignment with customer expectations. Solution: Modernizing Data Stack and Analytics Strategy To address these challenges, Barrett revamped its data stack and analytics strategy: Snowflake Implementation : Consolidating data into one platform improved visibility and decision-making speed across the supply chain. Tableau Cloud Partnership : Leveraging Tableau's embedded analytics product and APIs enabled seamless integration of dashboards into the customer-facing portal, providing real-time insights. Driving Value for Our Business and Our Customers Transparent Cost Breakdown : By providing customers with transparent cost breakdowns, Barrett enabled informed pricing decisions tailored to different channels and partners. Streamlined Communication: Improved visibility and collaboration streamlined business planning and cost forecasting, enhancing decision-making and alignment. Elevated Customer Experience: Self-service capabilities and responsive inquiries improved NPS scores, enriching overall customer experience. Revenue Growth : Enhanced offerings led to a 13% increase in close rate, equating to an estimated $20M to $30M in new business annually. Prevention of Missed Opportunities: Prior deficiencies in reporting tools and visibility potentially cost $75M annually. Feedback from prospects highlighted areas of improvement, emphasizing the importance of customer-focused metrics. By addressing these challenges and leveraging modern technologies, Barrett not only enhanced its own operations but also empowered its customers to thrive in a dynamic logistics landscape. About Barrett Distribution Centers At Barrett, we solve challenges and build solutions that drive transparency, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. If you'd like to streamline your supply chain or elevate your customer experience, c ontact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation with a seasoned 3PL expert.
By Katherine Wroth January 23, 2025
FRANKLIN, Mass., Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lubify , a startup revolutionizing the sexual wellness industry, has selected Barrett Distribution Centers as its third-party logistics (3PL) provider. This partnership represents a pivotal step in Lubify's mission to redefine intimate wellness with its flagship product, Luxe Lube—a luxury intimate lubricant designed to elevate women's experiences. "It was important to find a long-term 3PL partner who shared our passion for innovation and growth," said Orla Maguire , founder of Lubify. "Barrett stood out with its strong distribution network, scalability and proven success with direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. Their professionalism and impressive onsite team made this decision easy." Luxe Lube is a silicone-based lubricant crafted with vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, silicone, and squalene, chosen for its hydrating, nourishing and long-lasting properties. The formula is enriched with delicate notes of neroli and cedarwood oils, creating a sensorial experience that redefines intimacy. Lubify has elevated the category with Luxe Lube's gold airless pump tube. Inspired by Hermès elegance, this packaging reflects Lubify's commitment to sophistication and functionality. "We're proud to welcome Lubify to the Barrett family," said Harrison Smith , Director of Pricing at Barrett. "Our expertise in scaling startups aligns perfectly with their goals. We're excited to help bring Luxe Lube to women nationwide." Luxe Lube will launch on Feb. 1, 2025, from Barrett's New Jersey region , a hub for high-growth D2C brands. Lubify also plans to expand its product line with additional premium offerings, continuing its mission to blend indulgence with self-care. About Lubify Founded by Orla Maguire, Lubify is the first luxury sexual wellness brand for women. Its debut product, Luxe Lube, is a high-quality feminine lubricant designed to provide a sophisticated, indulgent experience. Made in the USA, Lubify products are vegan, cruelty-free, and Sephora Clean List-compliant. Orla brings her expertise as a beauty industry leader and certified intimacy coach to revolutionize sexual wellness. Through Lubify, she empowers women to elevate their intimacy and self-care routines with premium products tailored to their needs. About Barrett Distribution Centers Since 1941, Barrett has provided customized third-party logistics (3PL), direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce fulfillment, omnichannel distribution, managed transportation solutions, and retail compliance for clients across all industries, with a focus on apparel & footwear, health & beauty, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and education. Barrett continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, known for superior execution, customer engagement, and direct access to senior leadership decision-makers. As a member of Inc.'s fastest-growing companies list 15 times, Barrett is big enough to do the job and still small enough to care about your business deeply. eCommerce brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Barrett directly here . Official PR Newswire Release Here
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CASE STUDY

APPAREL FULFILLMENT

APPAREL FULFILLMENT CASE STUDY

We have also dealt with requirements for counterfeit product detection and management of the brand threat, while ensuring that all solutions position Vibram to scale, with orders and delivery (direct to consumer and to retail channels) capable of fast response as orders grow in number and complexity.

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