Navigating Retail Supply Chain Challenges with the Right 3PL Partner

Katherine Wroth • November 18, 2024

Until the 1920s, shopping primarily occurred at the local neighborhood corner store or small-town square. Then, chain and department stores emerged, offering a broader variety of goods and transforming shopping into an experience. By 1956, the first shopping mall was constructed, and large retailers began to dominate, gradually pushing out smaller mom-and-pop shops.


However, no shift has reshaped the retail world as profoundly as eCommerce. Today’s retail landscape is a digital frontier where anyone with a product and an internet connection can reach a global audience. Yet, this transformation has brought a range of challenges, leaving retailers and suppliers navigating a complex and evolving marketplace.


Rising inflation threatens margins, labor shortages complicate peak demand management and the shift to omni-channel distribution adds complexity. Meanwhile, changing consumer expectations are driving a need for greater speed and adaptability.


These challenges underline the importance of having an efficient, agile, optimized and sustainable supply chain that can flex during unexpected peaks, overcome disruptions and meet new challenges as they emerge. One way to achieve this is by partnering with an experienced third-party logistics provider (3PL) like Barrett Distribution. Here are five key benefits of outsourcing retail logistics to a reputable 3PL.



1. Access to Skilled and Scalable Labor

Labor shortages remain a significant hurdle, especially during peak seasons. By tapping into a 3PL's expansive labor pool, retailers can quickly scale their workforce to meet fluctuating needs. Barrett streamlines recruiting and onboarding processes, ensuring the right talent is matched to the right roles. This helps retailers efficiently manage growth and seasonal surges with confidence.



2. Investment in Automation and Innovation

Staying competitive in today’s fast-paced retail environment requires constant innovation. Many companies, however, lack the resources to prioritize supply chain digitalization and automation. Barrett continuously invests in advanced technologies like autonomous mobile robots and predictive picking algorithms, enabling clients to meet market demands with enhanced efficiency. These scalable innovations provide the flexibility needed for future growth.



3. End-to-End Supply Chain Visibility

Comprehensive visibility is no longer a luxury but a necessity, especially in direct-to-consumer retail. While most companies utilize transportation visibility tools, they often fail to cover a product's full journey. Barrett offers end-to-end visibility that spans warehousing, packaging, and transportation. This capability ensures seamless inventory management and optimizes product flow, allowing retailers to respond quickly to customer needs.



4. Sophisticated Data Analytics and Insights

Retailers often underutilize the power of data analytics to make faster, smarter decisions. By partnering with a 3PL that excels in data analytics, businesses gain actionable insights into efficiency, sustainability and customer behavior. Barrett leverages cutting-edge technologies like predictive analytics and artificial intelligence to identify trends, benchmark performance and uncover new opportunities. This data-driven approach ensures retailers stay ahead of shifting market demands.



5. Customized and Efficient Packaging Solutions

A one-size-fits-all packaging strategy no longer works. Barrett integrates materials management and packaging into distribution operations, reducing costs and increasing speed. Their tailored approach ensures packaging aligns with consumer expectations for quality, sustainability and efficiency across all channels.



Focus on Your Business—Leave Logistics to the Experts

Today’s consumers expect memorable and convenient shopping experiences, whether in-store or online. Meeting these expectations requires a well-managed supply chain that can adapt to challenges and capitalize on opportunities. By outsourcing logistics to a trusted 3PL like Barrett, retailers can concentrate on their core strengths while relying on experts to handle the complexities of supply chain management.


Why Barrett? We empower retailers to navigate uncertainty, enhance agility and deliver superior customer experiences, helping businesses thrive in a competitive retail environment.


Are you ready to optimize your retail supply chain? Discover the Barrett way—contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation. 

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How to Transition to a New 3PL: 6 Best Practices Every Brand Should Know

By Katherine Wroth • November 18, 2024
Periodically reviewing your 3PL provider is essential if you’re looking to scale effectively. Why? As your business scales, your warehouse management needs are likely to evolve. The 3PL provider you initially partnered with may not be well-positioned to support your business's long-term growth. Switching third-party logistics (3PL) providers is a significant decision, but when done correctly, it can unlock operational efficiencies, improve customer satisfaction and position your brand for scalable growth. While the process might seem daunting, the transition can be smooth and beneficial with proper planning and communication. Here’s how to switch to a new 3PL partner stress-free and strategically sound. 1. Assess Why You’re Switching Start by evaluating the reasons behind the switch. Are you looking for better scalability, improved service levels, or expertise in a specific industry, such as e-commerce or personalized fulfillment? Clearly outlining your goals ensures your new 3PL aligns with your operational needs and business objectives. There are various reasons why your current 3PL may no longer be ticking the boxes for your business. Here are a few signs to look out for that might indicate it's time to make the switch: My 3PL can't scale with me My 3PL isn't seeking to streamline their operations My 3PL is experiencing major logistical issues For example, many brands partner with Barrett Distribution because of our expertise in omnichannel fulfillment and high-touch personalized service tailored to luxury and boutique brands. Knowing your priorities will help you select the best 3PL partner. 2. Plan for Peak Season and Disruption Timing is everything when switching 3PLs. Avoid transitioning during peak seasons or other high-demand periods when order volumes are at their highest. A detailed transition timeline, built in collaboration with your new provider, ensures minimal disruption to your business. Your new 3PL should have a plan to maintain service continuity and you should work with your internal teams to adjust forecasts and prepare inventory accordingly. 3. Audit Your Data and Inventory Before the move, ensure your inventory data is up to date and accurate. Conduct a physical inventory count and compare it to your systems to resolve discrepancies. Clean, accurate data minimizes errors during the handoff and sets your new 3PL up for success. To create a seamless handoff, Barrett offers robust onboarding services including data alignment and integration with your existing systems. 4. Communicate with Stakeholders Switching 3PLs impacts multiple stakeholders from internal teams to customers. Develop a clear communication plan to keep everyone informed. Ensure your operations, finance and IT teams are aligned on the transition schedule and processes. Emphasize the benefits of the switch for customers. If the transition may cause temporary delays, be transparent and proactive in addressing their concerns. 5. Test, Then Transition Conduct a soft launch or pilot phase before fully transitioning to the new 3PL. This allows you to identify and resolve any operational hiccups, test integrations and ensure the 3PL can meet your KPIs before going live. At Barrett, we prioritize a collaborative approach during onboarding, ensuring all systems and processes are thoroughly tested before full implementation. 6. Monitor Performance Post-Transition Once the transition is complete, monitor the new 3PL's performance closely. Track KPIs such as order accuracy, delivery times and customer satisfaction. Use these metrics to evaluate the partnership's success and identify areas for continuous improvement. Why Choose Barrett Distribution as Your 3PL Partner? Switching 3PLs is a strategic move and selecting the right partner is critical to your success. At Barrett, we specialize in creating customized logistics solutions that align with your brand’s unique needs. Are you looking for a long-term 3PL partner that has experience with high-growth brands? Contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation.

Custom Engineering: The Key to Optimizing Your Supply Chain Process

By Katherine Wroth • November 11, 2024
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A tailored design process to meet each client's specific needs Our design process is data-driven. We start by understanding the client's needs and goals, followed by an in-depth analysis of their outbound orders, item master, dimensions, weights and inbound data. Whether a client has a high SKU variety with shallow stock or a deeper inventory of fewer items, we identify the best-fit solution based on these metrics. Sometimes, multiple solutions are possible, allowing the client to choose the best option with their objectives. Focusing on data and consistent communication ensures each solution is finely tuned to the client's operations. How Barrett overcomes common challenges in creating custom solutions Cost is a significant hurdle in custom solution design. Clients seek the best solution at the lowest cost while maintaining high standards and meeting SLAs. With expenses rising, finding ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality is essential. 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With a commitment to cost efficiency, quality, and operational flexibility, Barrett partners with clients to optimize their supply chains, address key challenges, and support sustainable success. Through tailored engineering, we're proud to specialize in a competitive advantage for each client we serve. Facing supply chain challenges? Get in touch with us now to explore solutions designed for long-term success.

4 Last-Minute Tips to Boost Your E-commerce Sales During Peak Season

By Katherine Wroth • November 7, 2024
We all know the holidays are the Super Bowl for e-commerce brands. You've been juggling everything from managing orders and tracking inventory to running operations smoothly. The heat is on (cue the mic). Here's the good news: there's still time to make a few quick adjustments and closeout 2024 with a boost in sales. Here are four last-minute tips to maximize your e-commerce sales this holiday season: 1. Feng-shui your e-commerce store Before making any big money moves, treat the shopping experience on your e-commerce site as if you were walking into a retail store. For example, why do we ( and I mean myself) love shopping at Whole Foods? The shopping experience is organized and fun compared to traditional grocery stores and easy to navigate. Whole Foods brings in billions a year (from me alone) because most consumers don’t mind spending a little extra for convenience. With this tip in mind, type your store’s URL and explore your website as a first-time walk-in. Use a pair of customer lenses to check on: Your website’s loading speed – Online shoppers expect instant results. Make sure your site loads quickly to avoid losing potential customers who won’t wait for a slow page. Your checkout process – Go through the entire order process yourself. Note how long it takes and how simple it feels to complete a purchase. A smooth, quick checkout can make a substantial difference in conversion rates. Site layout and navigation – The easier it is to navigate your store, the better. Top questions to ask yourself: Does your website clearly state what you’re selling? Does it strategically highlight your offers on the homepage? 2. Display your holiday bestsellers Showcasing your bestsellers reduces the customer's overwhelm during the shopping process. Think about how much easier it is to land on a site, and the work is already done for you. There's no need to spend hours researching products when your site can showcase the best sellers. 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Here's to finishing strong and setting yourself up for a great start to 2025! Are you looking for a 3PL partner that gets your e-commerce needs? Contact us now to connect with a seasoned 3PL expert.
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