The world of fashion is characterized by rapid changes, constantly changing trends and the desire to have the latest pieces in your hands in the shortest possible time. Demand is high and offers emerging fashion brands the opportunity to make it big.
But selling textile goods also brings with it a number of challenges. Proper storage, fast deliveries and uncomplicated returns processes are just some of the aspects that need to be considered in fashion fulfillment. In this blog article, we take a closer look at the world of fashion in e-commerce and how you can overcome the challenges that come with it.
Table of contents:
Fashion Facts: The fashion industry in numbers
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- According to 2PM, a full 13 of the top 20 DTC (direct-to-consumer) brands come from the fashion and apparel industry. These include brands such as SHEIN, Chewy and Gymshark.
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- This year, the global fashion market in e-commerce is expected to reach a value of over 820 billion US dollars, according to Statista. By 2027, this could even rise to just over 1.2 trillion US dollars.
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- Clothing still accounts for the majority of online purchases, but accessories and footwear also contribute significantly to global sales in the online fashion market.
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- Secondhand clothing has also found its way into online retail. According to thredUP the resale market grew 28% last year alone and is expected to reach $70 billion by 2027.
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Challenges in Fashion Fulfillment
1. seasonal demand and inventory management
The fashion industry is characterized by seasonal trends. The challenge is to adjust inventory to fluctuations in demand in order to avoid overstocking and supply bottlenecks. To avoid losing track of this, a dashboard is a good way to centrally manage your inventory.
2. effective returns management
Returns are common in the fashion industry. Efficient return processes and verification of returned items are essential. However, this often also involves a lot of time and increased customer inquiries – an end customer portal can be of great benefit here. With the help of the dashboard, you can also evaluate which items were returned more frequently and compensate for possible defects.
3. aesthetics and brand identity in packaging
The presentation of garments in appealing packaging is becoming increasingly important. Amidst a seemingly endless supply of brands, emphasizing your own brand identity is crucial to stand out and create recognition. Let your brand shine in the best light by working with a logistics provider that wraps your products in high-quality packaging.
4. the correct storage
Seasonal fashion, in particular, often requires the storage of large quantities of out-of-season items. It must be dark, cool and clean. Also, a distinction must be made between lying and hanging merchandise. Improper storage can result in pieces being infested with pests and requiring extensive reworking or, in the worst case, disposal. This results in additional costs. With an experienced fulfillment provider, you have the necessary expertise on your side and can avoid unnecessary costs.
5. multichannel distribution
In today's corporate world, presence in various sales channels is a key to success. Not only does it increase your reach, it also minimizes business risk when you try marketplaces for the time being. Structure helps to avoid succumbing to the multitude of sales channels. To avoid chaos, look for a tool designed specifically for multichannel merchants*. Our partner Billbee is one such software, into which Warehousing1 can also be seamlessly integrated.
Conclusion
Customized racking systems, individual packaging, effective returns management, complex inventory management and modern technology are key components for successful fashion fulfillment.
Sounds impossible? It isn't. With an experienced fulfillment provider at your side, nothing stands in the way of your success. We will find the right solution for you.
With just a few clicks, you can get a customized quote for your fulfillment challenges within a short time.
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