Logistics and warehousing in fashion business
Logistics in the fashion industry has been developing dynamically for many years. Clothing manufacturers decide to change their collections frequently, of course to the delight of fashion-loving customers. Thanks to this, they have a chance to adapt to the dynamic fashion market. Until recently, you could see 2 to 4 seasons a year in stationary and online stores. Currently, there are 6 to 8 of them. Moreover, the multitude of colors, sizes and models makes it necessary to use increasingly larger storage areas. The risk of errors when shipping to customers increases with a higher number of orders , and fast and precise order processing in the fashion industry is one of the most important components of success.
Logistics in the fashion industry – the most important elements
Storage optimization in the fashion sector requires appropriate knowledge and experience, but professional logistics operators know which processes are worth focusing on. These include:
- acceptance and placement of goods,
- quantity and quality control,
- storage – depending on the type of product, models, colors, etc.),
- reporting,
- completing placed orders,
- preparation for shipment in accordance with the guidelines,
- supply chain organization,
- ensuring short delivery times,
- returns handling.
Each of the above elements affects the consumer's experience, which determines whether they will use the offer of a given company again or go to the competition.
What is customer experience?
Customers using the services of online stores have several key expectations in connection with the order they place. They want to receive the selected goods in the right condition, at the place of their choice, in the shortest possible time. If the service provider does not meet their needs, they will look for alternative solutions - they will go to the competition. At this stage, the price of the product is not crucial. What is more important are the feelings related to the handling of the entire process and the efficiency of its implementation. High-quality warehousing services for fashion companies and logistics services should meet all customer expectations. Only then they will decide to use the services of a given store again.
Storage for the fashion industry – the most important aspects
Effective storage solutions for clothing and fashion result from, among others, appropriately defining the goals to be met by the warehouse facility, its location, as well as optimal space management, including storage zones, operational areas and office spaces.
Optimal storage for the fashion industry is a combination of the functionality of an inventory, transhipment and distribution warehouse, which is why the area of the space and the possibility of expanding it, as well as the effective use of space and its zones, are crucial. Moreover, it is important to plan the flow of goods, taking into account the handling of returns, quality control and VAS, i.e. additional services.
Appropriate warehouse infrastructure consists of many elements that interact with each other. Sustainable storage in the fashion sector includes, among others: selection of the type of shelves, additional surfaces and appropriate automation. The warehouse design stage also includes planning the employment of employees whose task is to service a given sector.
Warehousing in the fashion industry, as well as the logistics process, requires support in the form of management programs and automation software. Quality control systems in clothing warehouses are also necessary. Digital solutions support includes: analysis of purchasing trends, market data, inventory management, and more . They also help to optimally use warehouse space and improve the order processing process.
Omnichannel in fashion – is it worth it?
Nowadays, customers use two main sales channels - retail and e-commerce. Consumers use the product information network to compare prices, make purchases and possibly return them wherever it is convenient for them, which is why the logistics area must be flexible and meet the requirements of customers.
Solutions that may work in this sector include an omnichannel strategy, i.e. a goods inventory management system that guarantees the availability of products in all sales channels in one location and trouble-free order fulfillment. This warehouse management model affects the efficient flow of goods in the fashion industry, effective sorting, packaging, and returns handling.
Please remember that multi-channel service should be subject to detailed data analysis, which allows you to meet the needs of customers in both retail and e-commerce. It is worth checking,: shopping paths , satisfaction with purchases, returns, reasons for abandoning the purchase, etc.
Innovative solutions in the logistics industry
Modern service providers operating in the warehouse and logistics industry value innovative approaches to the development. They see the potential of digitizing key areas, especially in the process of creating a supply chain, including the identification of goods. Warehouse operators focus on maximizing quality control to monitor activities and eliminate errors. In addition, solutions based on artificial intelligence are increasingly used. Their tasks include sales forecasting and effective inventory management in fashion.
Clothing companies also strive to normalize socially responsible activities. They are aimed at sustainable waste management, combating overproduction and planning warehouse volumes, which, among others, impacts to reduce storage losses for the fashion industry.
Warehouse trends in clothing industry
The dynamic development of the fashion industry is closely related to the introduction of innovative logistics solutions and improved operating models. What are the current and expected trends in storage in the clothing sector?
• increasing demand for logistics and warehousing services - societies are becoming richer, which causes an increase in demand for various goods, including clothing. Reliable and experienced logistics operators constantly work on selecting technology that will speed up processes and employ employees who supervise the activities,
• warehouse robotization – innovative technological solutions are intended to solve employment problems and eliminate factors that slow down key processes,
• sustainable logistics – activities will focus on providing sustainable solutions, which include, among others: storage of clothing and fashion, returns, as well as the means of transport used for this purpose.
• instant delivery – future solutions will ensure that the shipment arrives on the same day,
• parcel personalization – customers pay more and more attention to the quality of the parcel they receive. It is worth paying special attention to this.
Choose warehouse outsourcing for fashion companies
Storage in the fashion industry has undergone a major metamorphosis, adapting to new requirements and challenges. Innovative technologies, sustainable practices and effective process management are the basis for achieving success in a competitive environment. Clothing companies that decide to use new solutions will gain an advantage on the market, customer loyalty and will strengthen their leadership position in the industry. The task of the logistics operator is to effectively take over activities in the field of storage and distribution of products, as well as support in strategic decisions. Therefore, it is worth choosing cooperation with professionals and opting for warehouse outsourcing for fashion companies, which supports enterprises in the implementation of key processes.