Expanding Your Apparel Brand? Here’s How a 3PL Can Help

Katherine Wroth • February 25, 2025
while on earth apparel 3PL

Are you struggling to keep up with order fulfillment for your apparel brand? Or are you just beginning to explore third-party logistics to see if it aligns with your business goals?


Either way, this guide is for you.


Managing order fulfillment in the apparel industry—online or in physical stores—comes with many challenges. Warehousing, packing, shipping, logistics, returns, tracking and customs clearance require significant time and resources.


With limited hours in the day, handling all these aspects yourself can quickly become overwhelming (and that’s probably why you’re here). Hiring additional staff may help, but it also increases operational expenses and can complicate supply chain efficiency.


The Solution: Partnering with a Trusted 3PL


Barrett Distribution specializes in handling logistics and fulfillment operations for top apparel retailers and manufacturers. Outsourcing fulfillment to a trusted 3PL partner like Barrett saves costs and enhances efficiency.


This guide will break down the key benefits of working with a 3PL provider and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Understanding 3PL in Apparel Fulfillment

A 3PL provider manages your inventory’s storage, fulfillment and distribution. This includes warehousing, order picking, packing and shipping. Many 3PLs also handle customer service and returns.


Why should you outsource apparel fulfillment instead of managing it in-house?


  1. Cost Efficiency – You pay only for processed orders instead of maintaining a full-time logistics team.
  2. Improved Fulfillment Processes – Faster, more reliable order fulfillment enhances customer satisfaction.


Let’s explore how 3PLs work and why they are game-changers for apparel businesses like yours.



How Does a 3PL Work?

While 3PL services can support a wide range of industries, here’s how they work specifically for apparel brands:


Step 1: Choosing a 3PL Partner


Selecting the right 3PL is a critical process. The provider you choose will integrate into your operations and support your long-term growth.


Keep in mind that 3PL services differ from freight forwarding or on-demand warehousing. Understanding these differences will help you make a more informed decision.


Step 2: Sending Your Inventory


Once you’ve chosen a 3PL provider, you’ll send them your inventory for warehousing. This ensures order fulfillment begins as soon as a customer makes a purchase.


Step 3: Storing Inventory


Your 3PL partner will store your inventory in strategically located warehouses for easy retrieval and shipping. This optimizes fulfillment speed and reduces delivery times.


Step 4: Order Picking and Packing


When a customer places an order, the fulfillment process begins. The item ordered is retrieved from storage, packed securely and prepared for shipping.


Depending on your provider, this process may be managed manually or with advanced inventory software for greater speed and accuracy.


Step 5: Shipping


After an order is packed, it is shipped to the customer. Some 3PL providers handle shipping directly, while others partner with major carriers.


Confirming your 3PL’s shipping capabilities is important before signing a contract.


Step 6: Handling Returns


Returns are an inevitable part of e-commerce. Many 3PL providers offer reverse logistics solutions to manage returns efficiently and maintain customer satisfaction.



Benefits of Using Barrett Distribution for Apparel Fulfillment

Is investing in a 3PL the right move for your business? The answer is YES. Here’s why:


1. Increased Efficiency


Managing an apparel business requires focusing on design, marketing and customer engagement. Offloading logistics allows you to concentrate on these core areas without being bogged down by operational details.


2. Cost Savings


Maintaining warehouses, shipping fleets and logistics infrastructure can be expensive. Barrett reduces these costs by leveraging existing infrastructure and volume discounts on shipping.


Minimizing shipping errors and optimizing order fulfillment can also help reduce costly mistakes and returns.


3. Scalability


As your business grows, so do your logistics needs. Barrett 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, Barrett will scale your brand to ensure success.


 Barrett has over 80+ years of 3PL expertise and the resources to scale operations up or down based on demand, allowing you to expand without significant overhead costs.



When Should You Consider a 3PL?

Not every business needs a 3PL, but if any of the following apply, it may be time to explore outsourcing your logistics:


  • You’re fulfilling 10+ orders per day – Managing fulfillment in-house may become too time-consuming and costly.
  • You’re expanding and scaling operations – A 3PL can simplify shipping and customs management.
  • You need faster shipping options – Two-day shipping has become an industry standard, and Barrett has the infrastructure to meet these expectations efficiently.



Choosing the Right 3PL for Your Apparel Business

Not all 3PLs are created equally. Some offer broad logistics solutions, while others, like Barrett, specialize in apparel and fashion fulfillment. When evaluating providers, consider:


  • Technology Integration – Ensure the 3PL can integrate with your e-commerce platform for real-time inventory tracking and order processing.
  • Warehouse Locations – Choose a provider with fulfillment centers close to your customer base to reduce shipping times and costs.
  • Scalability – The 3PL should be able to accommodate your business growth.
  • Return Management – A provider with strong reverse logistics capabilities will improve your customer experience.



Barrett Distribution: Your Trusted 3PL Partner Since 1941

Are you looking for a trusted 3PL partner for your apparel business? Barrett offers personalized fulfillment solutions designed to help you scale and succeed.


Contact us today to receive a complimentary supply chain consultation.

Recent Blog Posts

By Katherine Wroth September 18, 2025
This week, I was on a call with a brand desperate to leave their 3PL. When asked if they could share data from their current provider, they responded, “I think we have an Excel sheet somewhere, but our 3PL has never really explained what any of it means.” I went straight to Jordan Johnson , the Director of Data & Analytics at Barrett, to break down the data questions that matter most for brands. From cost control to forecasting, here is what every brand should be asking about data before choosing a 3PL partner. Why is data so important in supply chain operations? Two reasons: cost and service. Costs are climbing across the board, so it is critical to have accurate data to manage and optimize spend. At the same time, visibility is now a baseline expectation. Knowing where products are and when they will reach customers is fundamental, and the right 3PL partner uses data to keep both cost and service in balance. Where is data analytics headed in the 3PL industry? Automation is expanding rapidly. Robotics, computer vision, and similar tools are becoming more affordable and less capital intensive. On the technology side, the next evolution is agentic AI. These tools do not just report on what already happened, they proactively identify anomalies and anticipate issues before they escalate. What makes a data analytics team stand out in 3PL? An exceptional team delivers both internal decision-making power and external insights for clients. At Barrett, that means: Dashboards and portals clients can access directly Monthly and quarterly reviews that surface actionable insights In-house ownership of analytics for agility and speed Context-driven reporting that translates numbers into strategy This dual focus ensures that brands see their data and understand how to act on it. How do analytics prevent costly inventory mistakes? Frequent review is key. Dashboards highlight both fast movers at risk of stockouts and inventory that has been sitting for extended periods, such as 90 days. Context matters, which is why seasonality and product type are built into the analysis. This ensures brands receive meaningful recommendations that lead to better planning, fewer surprises, and lower carrying costs. Can a 3PL support forecasting and budgeting? Yes! It is often a deciding factor for clients choosing Barrett. We work in two ways: Converting client sales forecasts into volume and cost projections Using machine learning models for brands without in-house forecasting capabilities Both approaches help brands set realistic budgets and align resources for growth. Can analytics catch issues before they become major problems? Absolutely. Making performance data visible across the organization helps catch issues quickly. On top of that, anomaly detection flags deviations from historical patterns. Together, these practices give clients peace of mind that problems are identified early rather than after the fact. How can analytics directly save money? Two proven examples: Transportation spend : analyzing service levels to ensure brands are not overpaying for speed they may not need Ordering patterns : adjusting how products are ordered, such as shifting from partial cases to full cases, which reduces handling costs What role does Paccurate play in cost savings? Barrett partners with Paccurate for cartonization, determining the best box for every shipment. This reduces waste, errors, and shipping costs. Paccurate also evaluates packaging history to confirm whether the box mix itself should be adjusted, uncovering additional savings opportunities. How do clients access their analytics? There are two main touchpoints: A web portal with embedded dashboards where clients can pull their own reports and track trends Business reviews, monthly or quarterly, where insights are presented with recommendations for improving cost and service How do you balance fulfillment speed with accuracy? Quality checks are built into the process. Variable audits, error-based sampling, and ship accuracy metrics ensure products reach customers quickly without sacrificing accuracy. What metrics matter most for scaling brands? Two categories: cost and performance. Key metrics include: Average cost per package SLA speed targets, such as 24-hour fulfillment Inbound velocity, which measures how quickly received inventory is available to sell Tracking these ensures that growth does not come at the expense of profitability or customer experience. What technology powers the analytics? Barrett uses a modern cloud-based stack: Snowflake as the data warehouse dbt for transformations and applied business logic Tableau for visualization, embedded directly in client portals This combination provides both flexibility and scalability as brands grow. How do you track productivity without micromanaging? Transparency and fairness are key. Metrics are measured equitably and tied back to cost savings. Through Barrett’s profit-sharing programs, employees see a direct link between hitting productivity targets and shared rewards. This drives performance while maintaining high employee satisfaction. Can analytics improve pricing for clients? Yes. The more complete the data, the tighter and more competitive the pricing solution. New clients often see broader estimates, but after a year of working with Barrett, historical data allows for far more precise pricing models. What is “click to porch” and why does it matter? Click to porch measures the time between when a customer places an order and when it arrives at their door. Brands should aim to minimize this window while managing costs, because it directly impacts customer satisfaction and repeat purchases. How granular can demand forecasting get? With strong data, forecasts can reach the product category or even item level. Apparel, footwear sizes, and seasonal items often have unique demand curves. Barrett’s analytics help clients plan with this level of detail. How does data strengthen client relationships? By creating a level playing field. When both sides work from the same data set, assumptions disappear. Conversations are based on facts, transparency builds trust, and partnerships grow stronger. Can clients request custom reports? Yes. Barrett collects extensive data and can provide custom reporting. More importantly, reports are aligned with client goals so they inform decisions rather than simply share numbers. How do analytics improve efficiency inside the warehouse? Two main levers: Accurate forecasts that inform labor planning Equitable productivity tracking that keeps operations efficient while respecting employees The result is faster and more reliable fulfillment for clients. Don't settle for spreadsheets without explanations if you've read this far! Behind every successful brand is a supply chain partner who knows how to use data. Barrett has been doing that for more than 80+ years. Contact us now for a free consultation with a 3PL expert.
By Katherine Wroth August 20, 2025
FRANKLIN, Mass., Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Barrett Distribution Centers is proud to announce a new partnership with FCTRY LAb , a trend-setting footwear company headquartered in Los Angeles. Barrett will provide warehousing, fulfillment, and transportation services to support the brand's direct-to-consumer (D2C) operations via fctrylab.com . Co-founded by industry veterans Omar Bailey and Abhi Som , FCTRY LAb is redefining the future of footwear through bold design, rapid innovation, and performance-driven engineering. Known for game-changing releases like the Duckboot - A bold streetwear collaboration with rapper NLE Choppa and the Stomper - A rugged yet refined boot that repurposes a classic silhouette with motorcycle-inspired detailing - worn by Seth Rollins in WWE, FCTRY LAb continues to push the boundaries of modern design. "Barrett checked every box, from their proximity to our HQ and deep footwear experience to their ability to meet fast-paced scaling needs and high order volumes. With the lease ending at our current facility, FCTRY LAb turned to Barrett for a quick and flexible solution, and they delivered," said Ravi Bhaskaran , chief operating officer at FCTRY LAb. "Partnering with Barrett sets us up for success as we enter this next growth phase." In addition to its commercial success, FCTRY LAb has demonstrated elite performance capabilities. Co-founder Omar Bailey , known for designing footwear for MLB and NBA legends, developed custom cleats for Super Bowl champion Jalen Ramsey , which ranked in the top five by the NFL's official testing lab. The brand is also crafting footwear for San Francisco 49ers' Trent Williams , international cricketers, and pro tennis athletes. Recent standout models include the Knight RNR a sleek foam slip–on recovery sneaker , the MOCC for Men and MOCC for Women , a slip-on silhouette fusing moccasin comfort with future tech , and the RUFL Boots , designed to deliver utility and swagger in one powerful statement - as seen on New York Fashion Week. "We're thrilled to bring FCTRY LAb into the Barrett family," said Harrison Smith , director of 3PL pricing. "Led by a visionary team, there's no doubt FCTRY LAb is poised for remarkable growth. We can't wait to be a part of the game-changing future they're building - and to provide the fulfillment and transportation support that helps them get there faster." 锘 Barrett's scalable infrastructure and proven apparel fulfillment expertise make it the right long-term partner as FCTRY LAb continues to grow and disrupt the footwear industry. Operations were launched at Barrett's Montebello, California, facility . 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. Brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Barrett directly here . About FCTRY LAb FCTRY LAb is a Black led high-tech footwear innovation facility and brand based in Los Angeles. Co-Founded by Omar Bailey and Abhi Som, FCTRY LAb's mission is to help creators and brands of all sizes to develop and commercialize footwear while giving them significantly larger ownership than traditional endorsement models. The innovation lab is a bridge between product creation and manufacturing to full commercialization and fulfillment. Official Release Here
By Bryan Corbett August 13, 2025
3PL Finder 101 "Supply Chain is Not a Spreadsheet" There's so much going on in our industry and almost no time to talk about it all, so sometimes doing a quick 5 min video is best Plus, it's a great 馃 release for me...sooo Here we go! Let's turn the 3PL search process upside down, maybe sorta just a little bit 馃憞 1锔忊儯 Be visible EARLY Don't be invisible or not part of early intro calls - it's OK to use personal discernment + gut feeelings + cultural alignment EARLY in the downselection process. Better early than late! 2锔忊儯 Meet the actual operators EARLY Ask to meet the operators in the targeted 3PL facilies near the beginning of the process. Imagine downselecting to 3 finalists only to find out that your entire team simply doesn't align with the personality of the leadership in the building?! Ruh-roh, sad face. 3锔忊儯 Get the financial truth upfront EARLY Ask for audited financials + company performance + a CFO 1v1 EARLY in the process. Again, what's the point in both teams doing all that work, only to find out your preferred future 3PL partner is bleeding cash or completely insolvent, looking for an IPO or a new buyer ASAP. Oops! The BEST partnerships at Barrett 锘 are built on trust, culture, and long-term alignment This is universal Business 101 - believe it!
More Posts