The Barrett Blog
The latest news, trends, and insights in supply chain logistics from Barrett's own team of subject matter experts.
We’re nearly halfway through 2025, and eCommerce brands already feel the impact of major shifts in fulfillment, automation and consumer expectations. At Barrett Distribution Centers , we’re helping our partners stay agile and ahead of the curve. Here are four key trends and how Barrett delivers solutions that make a difference. 1. Brands Are Prioritizing U.S.-Based Fulfillment More Than Ever With global shipping delays, rising tariffs and increased regulatory complexity, the need for a dependable U.S. 3PL partner has become a top priority for growing brands. Many are rethinking their footprint and shifting volume back onshore to reduce risk and increase speed to the customer. How Barrett supports this: We operate over 25 strategically located fulfillment centers across the U.S., offering scalable support from coast to coast. Whether brands need to supplement an international setup or build a full domestic distribution strategy, we’re creating flexible models to meet their needs. What we’re hearing: More brands are asking for dual-node fulfillment strategies to shorten delivery windows and improve regional responsiveness, especially heading into peak season. 2. Smart Bundling is Beating the Shipping Rate Surge Shipping rates—especially for lightweight packages under one pound—continue to rise, with increases of 18–25% hitting hard in Q1 and Q2. Brands that haven’t yet adapted are seeing margin pressure grow. What Barrett is doing: We’ve helped several partners redesign their packaging, consolidate SKUs into bundles and reconfigure order logic to optimize shipping brackets. Our fulfillment and support teams work with brands to test and implement smart bundling strategies that lower costs while driving customer value. Quick win: Bundling offsets shipping costs, boosts average order value and makes promotions more profitable. 3. Automation Is No Longer Optional Warehouse automation isn’t just for enterprise brands anymore. With labor challenges and service-level expectations higher than ever, automation has become a necessity, especially for brands navigating rapid growth. Barrett’s approach: We use automation in facilities where it makes the most significant operational impact. These aren’t million-dollar systems; they’re right-sized tools that improve accuracy, reduce cycle time and speed up fulfillment. What’s changed in 2025: Automation has become more plug-and-play and faster to implement, meaning brands can see ROI within months, not years. 4. Personalization Is Driving Loyalty (and Repeat Orders) In 2025, personalization has shifted from “nice to have” to a competitive necessity. Customers expect a tailored experience, from the products to the packaging they arrive in. What Barrett delivers: We offer a full suite of value-added services, including embroidery, engraving, branded inserts, custom pack-outs and influencer kits. Whether you’re a luxury brand or a high-growth DTC company, we help create a fulfillment experience that feels on-brand and memorable. Why it matters now: As consumer spending tightens, brands that deliver on the details see higher customer lifetime value and stronger repeat purchase behavior. Looking for a True Partner—Not Just a Provider? The pace of 2025 isn’t slowing down. If your current 3PL isn’t keeping up, it may be time for a change. At Barrett, we combine hands-on operational excellence with strategic insight to help brands scale smarter. 锘� Let’s talk—schedule your complimentary supply chain consultation here.
Not Just a Vendor. A Partner Who Gets It.
For direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, success begins in the warehouse. From the moment an order is placed, your fulfillment process shapes the brand experience. At Barrett Distribution Centers , logistics isn’t just backend support. Fulfillment is the heartbeat of a successful DTC brand. Here’s how your warehouse strategy directly influences brand loyalty, repeat purchases and those all-important unboxing moments. 1. Customer Expectations Have Changed — Fulfillment Has to Keep Up If a brand promises 2-day shipping, customers will instantly notice the moment it’s late. If they order a personalized item, they’ll remember if it arrives incorrectly. Your warehouse is responsible for: Speed to ship Order accuracy Inventory visibility Packaging quality These are no longer “nice to haves,” they’re part of your brand promise. 2. Repeat Purchases Are Won (or Lost) in Fulfillment Acquiring a new customer is expensive. Keeping them? That comes down to the post-purchase experience. When fulfillment runs smoothly, your customer gets: A fast delivery The right items A well-presented package Confidence in your brand And when it doesn’t? You risk returns, negative reviews and churn . Fulfillment is where trust is built (or broken.) 3. Unboxing Is a Brand Moment — Not Just a Shipping Step Think of unboxing as your final marketing impression. Are your products arriving in a beat-up box with packing tape and nothing else? Or are they arriving in a branded, curated, thoughtful way? DTC brands that go the extra mile with: Custom packaging Personal notes Kitting or gift sets Branded tissue or wraps ...are the ones customers share on social media and return to. Barrett’s value-added services make this scalable and seamless. 4. Scalability Matters More Than You Think A fulfillment strategy that worked when you were shipping 100 orders a month won’t work when you hit 5,000. The right 3PL helps you: Flex your labor during peak Open new nodes to reduce ship times Avoid stockouts and overstocks Plan for long-term growth Scaling without sacrificing service? That’s the difference between brands that burn out and break through. 5. The Right Fulfillment Partner Makes It All Happen At Barrett, we help high-growth DTC brands deliver on their promises. With 25+ facilities nationwide, personalized service, and a tech-forward approach, we offer the flexibility and support growing brands need. Whether you need: Custom packaging Subscription box fulfillment Multi-node distribution Seamless system integrations We build solutions that keep you agile, accurate and customer-obsessed. Ready to Scale the Right Way? Let’s discuss how Barrett can help your DTC brand grow smarter, ship faster, and stand out where it counts—from cart to customer. Contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation.
A Must-Read Checklist for Choosing the Right Fulfillment Partner
锘� Budgets are tight. Inflation and consumer expectations are rising. And the e-commerce space is oversaturated. At Barrett Distribution Centers, w e understand the complexity of scaling your business. Whether you're managing B2B and DTC fulfillment, expanding into new channels or trying to meet next-day delivery expectations without draining your budget, we’re here to help. Here are eight of the most common logistics challenges brands face and how Barrett helps solve them. 1. Implementing Modern E-Commerce Strategies Growth strategies like bundling, upselling, order consolidation, pre-orders and personalized delivery options require operational flexibility and the right systems to execute. Legacy systems can slow brands down or block these strategies altogether. Barrett offers modern fulfillment solutions supported by integrated systems that enable operational agility. Our technology and processes are designed to help brands turn strategy into execution without adding complexity. 2. Expanding Sales Channels Without Adding Chaos As brands expand into retail, marketplaces and new DTC platforms, the backend operations can quickly become overwhelming. Overselling, underselling and inconsistent customer experiences can wear down trust and revenue. Barrett helps you grow across channels with confidence. Our systems support multichannel inventory management, centralized order routing and scalable fulfillment that adapts to the specific needs of each sales channel. 3. Choosing a 3PL That Grows With You Too often, brands outpace their 3PL provider. As demand grows and needs evolve, having the wrong partner can limit scalability and compromise customer experience. Barrett supports both DTC and B2B fulfillment with a unified solution. Whether you’re shipping to a consumer’s doorstep or replenishing inventory for a major retail partner, our nationwide network and customized approach ensure we scale with you. 4. Adapting to Economic Pressures Economic shifts and uncertainty pressure consumer behavior, supply chain costs and your bottom line. Operational efficiency and adaptability have become key to staying ahead. Barrett helps brands offset these pressures by optimizing fulfillment networks, reducing time in transit and streamlining inventory placement—all while delivering an excellent customer experience. 5. Scaling in a Cost-Conscious Environment Rising transportation, labor and warehouse costs can quickly eat into profitability. Growth needs to be smart not just fast. Barrett’s strategic inventory placement and network optimization help reduce shipping zones and transportation costs. We provide tools and insights that help you plan smarter, forecast more accurately and avoid costly inefficiencies. 6. Staying Agile in an Ever-Changing Market Your fulfillment operations must be responsive and agile, from seasonal surges to supply chain disruptions. Barrett’s flexible infrastructure allows you to ramp up, scale down and shift priorities quickly. We work closely with you to ensure your supply chain can flex with changing conditions without disrupting your customer experience. 7. Managing Capital and Inventory Smarter Growth capital is harder to access and many brands are rethinking how they manage working capital and inventory risk. Overstocking, long lead times and slow-moving inventory can limit your ability to invest where it matters. Barrett’s demand-driven fulfillment approach reduces unnecessary holding costs and frees up working capital. We help brands align inventory with demand so resources are available to drive growth rather than sitting on the shelf. 8. Delivering a Consumer Experience That Builds Loyalty At the end of the day, consumers expect fast, accurate and seamless experiences. A missed delivery or poor post-purchase experience can cost more than just a refund—it can cost loyalty. Barrett is built around delivering that high-touch experience. With best-in-class DTC fulfillment, responsive communication, real-time visibility and post-purchase support, we help our brand partners exceed consumer expectations every time. What You Can Do Now E-commerce and omnichannel brands can take action today by aligning the right strategies, technology and partners. That means: Implementing fulfillment strategies that support bundled orders, subscriptions or personalization Expanding into new sales channels without operational risk Optimizing inventory placement across fulfillment nodes Choosing a 3PL partner like Barrett with proven retail and DTC experience Leveraging data and forecasting tools to reduce risk and improve planning Why Brands Choose Barrett Barrett Distribution Centers powers high-growth consumer brands across apparel, health and beauty, home goods, specialty retail and more. With 20+ strategically located fulfillment centers across the U.S., we deliver fast, reliable service and scalable solutions tailored to your business. We are proud to support innovative brands through every stage of growth—from startup to enterprise. Are you looking for your forever 3PL? Contact us now to learn more about how Barrett can support your next phase of growth.
When was the last time you visited your fulfillment center? As e-commerce, omnichannel and B2B logistics become increasingly complex, building a strong relationship with your 3PL partner goes beyond Zoom calls and dashboards. Visiting your fulfillment partner in person can reveal more than a report ever could. At Barrett Distibution, we believe that trust, transparency and collaboration start on the warehouse floor. Here are five reasons why you should plan that visit: 1. See Your Brand in Action Walking the floor where your orders are picked, packed and shipped gives you an unmatched perspective. You’ll see how your product is handled, how your packaging is displayed and how your brand comes to life with every outbound box. It’s a great way to ensure your fulfillment strategy is aligned with your brand identity. 2. Build Stronger Relationships Meeting the team face-to-face builds trust and opens communication. You’re not just another SKU to us — you’re a partner. A visit allows you to connect with the operations team, ask questions and better understand the people powering your logistics daily. 3. Spot Opportunities for Efficiency Seeing the operation firsthand often reveals opportunities that aren’t visible on paper. Optimizing SKU locations, adjusting kitting processes, rethinking packaging materials and touring the facility with your account team can spark ideas to improve speed, accuracy and cost efficiency. 4. Gain Clarity on Performance Metrics Numbers are important — but context matters. A warehouse visit helps you better understand the "why" behind your KPIs. Whether digging into order accuracy or exploring dock-to-stock times, seeing processes live gives you the clarity you can’t get from a dashboard alone. 5. Collaborate on the Future Your business is growing. Your fulfillment partner should grow with you. In-person visits open the door to strategic planning: peak season prep, expansion into new channels or launching new product lines. You can brainstorm in real time and leave with an action plan when you're onsite. At Barrett, we welcome our clients to visit any time. Our goal is to be more than a provider — we aim to be your forever 3PL. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, there’s always value in walking the floor, asking questions and having conversations that drive results. Want to schedule a visit to one of our fulfillment centers? Contact us today to make it happen. We’ll have the coffee ready.
Franklin, MA, March 26, 2025— Barrett Distribution Centers , a trusted leader in third-party logistics for e-commerce and omnichannel fulfillment, announces the launch of its E-commerce Accelerator, a program designed to help high-growth, early-stage brands scale their logistics operations efficiently. A Permanent Home for Growing Brands Unlike traditional 3PL solutions, the E-commerce Accelerator offers low-risk, flexible contract terms, allowing brands to integrate seamlessly into Barrett’s nationwide logistics network. Focusing on flexibility, efficiency, and long-term partnership, the program eliminates the costly and disruptive process of switching 3PL providers as businesses grow. “Growth is in Barrett’s DNA. As a 15-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies list, we know what it takes to scale,” said Adam Robertson , Vice President of Customer Experience at Barrett Distribution. “We have helped brands evolve from early-stage e-commerce to full omnichannel operations. The E-commerce Accelerator is our way of providing a permanent 3PL home for startups by offering the infrastructure and expertise to grow without limits.” Key Benefits of the E-commerce Accelerator Participants in the program gain access to Barrett’s logistics expertise, including: Seamless Fulfillment – Nationwide fulfillment solutions designed to scale. Easy Integration – Streamlined onboarding and system connectivity to quickly get brands up and running. Inventory Management – Real-time inventory tracking for operational efficiency. Reverse Logistics – Hassle-free returns management to enhance customer satisfaction. Personalization & Customization – Tailored solutions to meet brand-specific needs. Coast-to-Coast Infrastructure – A robust network of strategically located facilities. A Commitment to Entrepreneurial Success Barrett’s core value of ownership—empowering employees to think and act like business owners—extends to the E-commerce Accelerator, fostering strong relationships with entrepreneurial brands. The program aligns with Barrett’s deep-rooted belief in supporting high-growth companies that share its commitment to innovation and scalability. "We thrive on working with brands that are hungry to grow," said Harrison Smith , Director of 3PL Pricing at Barrett Distribution. "Partnering with ambitious entrepreneurs makes our work incredibly rewarding. Their passion drives our commitment to providing the best logistics solutions possible. The E-commerce Accelerator is not just about fulfillment—it is about building long-term partnerships that support brands at every stage of their journey." 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 deeply care about your business. eCommerce brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Barrett directly here . Contact Information Katherine Wroth Marketing Manager katherine.wroth@barrettdistribution.com Official Release Here
Retailers and brands are using this one strategy to boost customer retention—are you? Kitting goes beyond bundling products. It’s about crafting curated experiences that delight customers, just like opening the perfect gift on Christmas morning. Whether it’s a fitness starter bundle or a self-care collection, kitting has evolved into a valuable way for brands to create engaging, convenient shopping experiences that drive loyalty and revenue. But what makes kitting such a game-changer? Picture a customer unboxing a wellness kit complete with everything needed for a cozy winter reset or a fitness enthusiast receiving a perfectly assembled set of gear to jumpstart their training—all without having to shop for each piece separately. This blend of smart product selection and efficient packaging allows businesses to enhance customer satisfaction, boost sales and strengthen brand identity. Understanding Kitting At its core, kitting combines multiple products into a single packaged offering, creating a cohesive experience for the consumer. These bundles range from simple pairings of complementary items to elaborate themed collections designed to tell a story or highlight exclusive collaborations. In retail and e-commerce, kitting is a strategic tool for increasing perceived value, differentiating from competitors and delivering a memorable shopping experience. Different Approaches to Kitting Kitting can be executed in several ways, each catering to different business needs and operational structures. Let’s break down the four most common methods: 1. Manufacturer-Level Kitting In this approach, product assembly takes place at the manufacturing stage. This means products are bundled before they even reach distribution, streamlining logistics and reducing handling costs. It’s an efficient method that simplifies inventory management and ensures consistency. However, it does come with challenges. Pre-assembled kits can limit customization, increase storage costs and require precise forecasting to avoid excess stock. Managing returns also becomes more complex since individual items within a kit may not be sold separately. Additionally, manufacturers must have the capability and expertise to execute kitting effectively. 2. Retailer-Controlled Kitting Retailers can take kitting into their own hands, assembling product bundles closer to the point of sale. This allows them to tailor kits to customer preferences, seasonal trends and regional demands, offering greater flexibility than manufacturer-driven kitting. For instance, a beauty retailer might combine a cleanser, toner and moisturizer into a skincare set, providing a complete solution for customers. This level of customization enhances the shopping experience and can encourage repeat purchases. However, in-house kitting at the retail level comes with operational hurdles. Additional labor, warehouse space and training are required to ensure consistency and quality. Inventory management also becomes more complex as missing just one product can disrupt the availability of an entire kit. 3. Outsourced Kitting (Third-Party Providers) Third-party kitting providers offer a solution for businesses that want to leverage kitting without the overhead of assembling kits themselves. These specialists handle the entire process, from product bundling to packaging, allowing brands to focus on marketing and sales. Outsourcing can be especially beneficial for regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals or health supplements where strict compliance is required. These providers bring expertise and efficiency to the table, often using advanced technology for precision assembly. However, outsourcing can have downsides. Businesses lose some control over quality assurance and added service fees may impact profit margins. Additionally, extended lead times for kit modifications can reduce a brand’s ability to respond quickly to market trends. 4. In-House Kitting (Self-Managed by Brands) Some companies keep kitting in-house, giving them complete control over the process. This approach is common among startups or fully integrated corporations that manage their entire supply chain. 锘� Handling kitting internally might seem cost-effective for smaller brands, but it often leads to operational strain. Kits can be assembled inefficiently without the right systems, expertise and scalability. On the other hand, larger brands with extensive infrastructure can justify in-house kitting as they have the volume and resources to sustain it at scale. The Best of Both Worlds: Kitting Through a Fulfillment Partner A lesser-known but highly effective approach is leveraging a fulfillment provider specializing in kitting. This method offers a balance of flexibility, efficiency and cost savings. Here’s why it works: Reduced logistics costs: Since products are already at the fulfillment center, there’s no need for additional transportation or production delays. On-demand customization: Businesses can choose between made-to-order kits, pre-assembled bundles or hybrid approaches. Improved inventory management: By integrating kitting with fulfillment, stock levels are optimized to prevent shortages and ensure consistent availability. Expert execution: Fulfillment providers with kitting capabilities often have dedicated teams that optimize packaging, reduce labor costs and ensure quality control. This approach eliminates many of the pitfalls of the other methods while maximizing flexibility, cost efficiency and speed to market. Why Kitting is a Competitive Advantage Kitting is a powerful strategy for brands looking to expand their product offerings, increase sales and enhance customer satisfaction. It encourages product discovery, creates compelling promotional opportunities and strengthens brand perception through thoughtfully curated collections. Let’s Build Something Better Together Looking to streamline your kitting process and create standout product bundles? We can help you maximize efficiency, reduce costs and deliver an exceptional customer experience. Contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation.
