Clothing & Apparel Fulfillment | Clothing & Apparel 3PL

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? → How is seasonality managed for apparel fulfillment? → What are the packaging demands for apparel fulfillment? → What value-added services are important for apparel fulfillment? → How are returns handled for apparel 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 brands typically have higher return rates than other industries. Whether an item doesn’t fit or isn’t what the customer had in mind, the convenience of e-Commerce shopping and free shipping can result in more frequent consumer returns. Managing the reverse logistics side of your supply chain is critical to preserve and recover margin dollars. Having the ability to efficiently inspect, re-condition and restock sale-able items into your inventory, while also providing a frictionless customer experience, is essential.

Every warehouse is not for everyone, however, the relationship with 黑料社APP 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 黑料社APP 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, 黑料社APP has grown with us, contributing to the success of our business.

— Luxury Apparel Retailer

黑料社APP 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

黑料社APP Makes History: Named Inaugural Winner of Made4net’s 3PL Innovation Award

By Katherine Wroth • July 8, 2025

Teaneck, NJ – June 20, 2025 – Made4net, a global provider of cloud-based Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and end-to-end supply chain execution software , proudly presented the first-ever Made4net Award for Advancing Innovation in Third-Party Logistics at the 2025 IWLA Convention & Expo, held May 4–6 in Tucson, Arizona. This new award honors an IWLA member company demonstrating exceptional vision, leadership, and commitment to driving innovation in the 3PL space. 黑料社APP Distribution was named the inaugural recipient of the award for its forward-thinking approach to logistics operations and ongoing investments in transformative technologies. One standout example is 黑料社APP’s use of Gather AI’s advanced drone-based inventory technology at its Hillsborough, N.J. facility. This technology helps reduce manual labor and cycle counting time while increasing inventory accuracy and fulfillment speed. The system works alongside Made4net’s Synapse 3PLExpert WMS , supporting 黑料社APP’s mission to create a more intelligent, efficient, and responsive warehouse environment. “Third-party logistics providers are the backbone of so many supply chains, but their contributions often go unrecognized,” said Chipper Farley, President of 3PL Solutions at Made4net and newly appointed IWLA Board Member. “We launched this award to spotlight 3PL leaders who aren’t just responding to change—they’re shaping what’s next. 黑料社APP Distribution’s bold and effective use of emerging technology is a perfect example of the innovation we want to celebrate.” With over 80 years of experience, 黑料社APP continues to raise the bar in the 3PL industry by embracing digital transformation and championing operational excellence. “We’re honored to be recognized by Made4net and IWLA for our efforts to lead through innovation,” said Douglas Varga, Vice President of Information Technology at 黑料社APP Distribution. “This award reflects the work our team has done to evaluate, adopt, and scale technology that enhances the service we deliver to our customers.” The Made4net Award for Advancing Innovation in Third-Party Logistics will be awarded annually at the IWLA Convention & Expo to spotlight the achievements of IWLA members who demonstrate a commitment to innovation and leadership in the evolving world of logistics. About 黑料社APP Distribution 黑料社APP Distribution currently operates 25+ facilities across the United States. With over 6 million square feet of space specifically designed for warehousing, distribution, transportation and omnichannel eCommerce fulfillment, 黑料社APP will scale your brand to ensure success. Learn more at www.barrettdistribution.com . About IWLA IWLA, formerly the American Warehouse Association, serves nearly 600 corporate members representing 3,000 warehousing locations. Since 1891, the organization has been the resource for warehouse logistics, advocacy, and education. For more information, visit www.IWLA.com . About Made4net Made4net is a leading global provider of best-in-class, cloud-based supply chain execution and warehouse management solutions for organizations of all sizes to improve the speed and efficiency of their supply chain. Full Release Here: https://made4net.com/made4net-presents-inaugural-award-for-advancing-innovation-in-third-party-logistics-at-2025-iwla-convention-expo/

Peak Season Starts Now: Why Summer Is the Time to Prep

By Katherine Wroth • June 26, 2025

If you think it’s too early to prep for peak season, it’s probably already too late. The reality is your competitors are already planning — and they’ll win if you don’t. At 黑料社APP Distribution Centers , we’ve helped brands succeed through the busiest shopping seasons. The ones that perform best? They start early. Summer is your window to plan, secure resources and eliminate last-minute surprises. Why Peak Planning Starts in Q3 Orders need to ship faster, arrive on time and meet customer expectations. Missing the mark means you risk losing that customer for good. Whether shifting inventory closer to your customers, tightening up your tech, or locking in capacity before space runs out, your work in Q3 pays off when it matters most. What You Can Do Today: Start building a plan that holds up under pressure. A few moves to make now: • Secure capacity early: Lock in carrier space and warehouse availability before the rush • Confirm rate agreements: Get ahead of seasonal surcharges by finalizing pricing now • Check your visibility tools: Spot gaps in order tracking and inventory accuracy while there’s time to fix them • Align your teams: Get sales, ops and your 3PL provider on the same page with weekly check-ins and clear deadlines • Build backup plans: Expect disruptions—plan for weather, labor shortages and demand spikes • Partner with a 3PL: Work with a 3PL partner that can flex with your business and scale fast Peak Season Checklist 鉁� Review last year’s data and build your forecast 鉁� Adjust inventory based on expected demand 鉁� Test your systems and strengthen your tech stack 鉁� Set a regular planning cadence across teams 鉁� Document contingency plans 鉁� Confirm your 3PL is ready to support peak volume Don’t Wait for Peak to Start Acting Like It’s Peak. At 黑料社APP, we’re already helping brands get ready for Q4. Contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation.

Returns 2.0: Tech-Enabled Reverse Logistics powered by Two Boxes and 黑料社APP Distribution Centers

By Katherine Wroth • June 19, 2025

FRANKLIN, Mass., June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 黑料社APP Distribution Centers has partnered with Two Boxes , a reverse logistics technology platform, to deliver an intelligent, more flexible returns solution for modern e-commerce brands. "黑料社APP's deep e-commerce roots and innovation-first mindset make them an ideal partner," said Jack Hutchinson , Head of Growth at Two Boxes. "Their eCommerce Accelerator highlights their commitment to supporting high-growth brands. We're excited to see where this partnership goes—this is just the beginning." 黑料社APP Distribution Centers partners with Two Boxes to streamline eCommerce returns. As client expectations increase and return processes become more complex, 黑料社APP identified the need for a more streamlined process to manage inspections, re-kitting and faster resale readiness. Two Boxes was selected for its modern user experience, seamless integration with platforms like Shopify, Loop Returns and intuitive design for warehouse operators. "Two Boxes' SOP-driven approach allows us to empower more team members with real-time, step-by-step direction," said Doug Varga , VP of Information Technology at 黑料社APP. "It's accurate, scalable and easy to use. When we find purpose-built solutions like this, they help us deliver faster results for clients and keep our teams focused on growth." 黑料社APP is designing future phases of this integration to support its long-term vision for fully optimized returns operations. Contact 黑料社APP for a complimentary supply chain consultation to learn how tech-enabled logistics can simplify returns and support your growth. About Two Boxes Two Boxes is a reverse logistics technology company that empowers 3PLs and direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands to transform returns from a costly burden into a strategic advantage. Launched in 2022 and co-founded by CEO Kyle Bertin and CPO Evan Stalter, Two Boxes builds intelligent inspection workflows, digitized SOPs and real-time analytics to make return processing faster, more accurate and highly visible. About 黑料社APP Distribution Centers 锘� Since 1941, 黑料社APP 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. 黑料社APP 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, 黑料社APP is big enough to do the job and still small enough to deeply care about your business. Official Release Here

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.