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.
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Barrett Distribution Centers
15 Freedom Way
Franklin, MA 02038
508-553-8800
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?
APPAREL FULFILLMENT BLOG
The role of analytics in warehousing has transformed significantly over the years. What was once a manual data collection process has evolved into a sophisticated, data-driven industry. In a recent episode of Warehouse Automation Matters, host Mary Hart sat down with Derek Morse, Senior Director of Operational Excellence at Barrett Distribution Centers, to discuss how analytics shapes modern warehousing and why leveraging data is critical for efficiency and cost reduction. The Evolution of Analytics in Warehousing Derek, who has a rich background in logistics, including roles at FedEx, JCPenney, and Quiet Logistics, noted that analytics has drastically improved warehouse operations. He emphasized that tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) allows warehouses to enhance speed, accuracy, and cost efficiency, helping companies like Barrett stay competitive in an ever-evolving fulfillment landscape. Key Metrics That Matter When asked about the most important data points warehouse leaders should monitor, Derek pointed out that while every business has different needs, common KPIs include: Dock-to-stock time Time to fill Fulfillment rates Net and gross accuracy Cost per unit At Barrett, specific metrics like LP accuracy (location precision) and transaction adjustment percentage serve as quick indicators of facility health. Turning Data into Action A prime example of Barrett’s data-driven approach is its focus on skip picks—instances where a picker bypasses an item. Analyzing this metric helps identify root causes such as incorrect replenishment timing, equipment issues, or improper slotting. By optimizing these factors, Barrett has significantly improved productivity and reduced costs. The Role of Technology in Data Collection Derek highlighted the importance of integrating technology into warehouse operations. Businesses employ a variety of tools depending on their scale and needs, including: Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) RFID tracking Robotics Advanced analytics platforms These technologies provide real-time insights and enhance overall operational efficiency. Optimizing Inventory Placement with Data Slotting strategies, which determine where products are stored within a warehouse, play a crucial role in efficiency. By analyzing factors like product demand, order frequency, and warehouse layout , Barrett ensures high-demand products are placed in the “golden zone” for faster picking, reduced labor, and improved space utilization. Addressing Overstock and Stockouts Managing stock levels effectively is a challenge for any warehouse. Derek explained that data analytics enables proactive inventory management by predicting demand fluctuations and ensuring products are in the right picking zones. This minimizes bending, unnecessary equipment usage, and most importantly, stockouts. Challenges in Adopting a Data-Driven Approach Implementing a data-driven strategy comes with its challenges, including: Resistance to change Data quality issues Cost constraints To overcome these hurdles, Derek advised businesses to collaborate, conduct thorough research, and select scalable systems that align with long-term objectives. Advice for Warehouse Leaders For those looking to enhance their analytics strategy, Derek recommended: Identify the most impactful areas – Focus on high-labor tasks like outbound processing. Ensure high-quality data – Reliable, consistent data is key. Invest in scalable tools – The right platform should support future growth. Foster a data-driven culture – Strong communication and team buy-in are essential for success. 锘� The Future of Warehousing: AI and Machine Learning Emerging trends such as AI and machine learning are reshaping warehouse operations. While companies are still in the discovery phase, these technologies promise more intelligent, responsive, and efficient systems , providing businesses with a competitive edge. Balancing Automation and Human Expertise While automation and AI can handle repetitive tasks, human decision-making remains essential for flexible task management, ethical considerations, and creative problem-solving. Derek believes collaboration between technology and human expertise results in more adaptive and efficient warehouse operations. Why Choose Barrett Distribution Centers? When asked why businesses should partner with Barrett, Derek summed it up: trust and people. Barrett places the right people in key roles and prioritizes client satisfaction. Get in Touch with Barrett Distribution Centers Are you looking for a trusted 3PL partner? Contact us for a complimentary supply chain consultation today.
Franklin, MA – March 10, 2025— Barrett Distribution , a leading provider of third-party logistics (3PL) solutions, has been named one of Fulfill.com’s Top 50 U.S. 3PL Companies for 2025. Fulfill.com’s annual Top 50 3PLs list highlights the best logistics companies based on operational excellence, technological innovation and a proven track record of success. This recognition reflects Barrett’s decades-long commitment to delivering efficient, scalable and client-focused logistics services. “Being recognized as a Top 3PL Provider by Fulfill.com is a testament to our team’s relentless focus on service excellence and passion,” said Bryan Corbett , Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We take pride in delivering personalized, efficient logistics solutions that drive success for our clients, and we are honored to be named a Top 50 3PL.” Barrett’s expansive fulfillment network covers over 7 million square feet across 25+ facilities, with key hubs in Boston, New Jersey, New York, Baltimore, Memphis, Dallas and California. This nationwide presence ensures fast logistics solutions tailored to high-growth brands. Joe Spisak , CEO of Fulfill.com, commented on Barrett Distribution Centers' inclusion in the Top 50 U.S. 3PL Companies for 2025: "Barrett Distribution Centers exemplifies the precision, scalability and innovation we look for in our Top 50 US 3PL Companies. Their ability to deliver tailored logistics solutions—whether for direct-to-consumer e-commerce, omnichannel fulfillment or complex B2B distribution—sets them apart in the industry. With over 80 years of experience and a proven commitment to operational excellence, Barrett continues to be a trusted partner for brands looking for reliable, technology-driven supply chain solutions." About Fullfill.com Fulfill.com is a matchmaking marketplace connecting companies with the highest-rated 3PLs. Built to simplify the RFP process and ensure brands partner with the best 3PL for their specific needs, Fulfill (Fulfill.com) is bringing scale to both 3PLs *and* the companies they service. About Barrett 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 deeply care about your business. eCommerce brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Barrett directly here . Contact Information 锘� Katherine Wroth Marketing Manager katherine.wroth@barrettdistribution.com Official Release Here
Why Automation is Reshaping 3PL Fulfillment
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.
