Blog Posts Ecommerce Fulfillment Solution Helps Apparel Brand Scale for Growth
Key Takeaways
- Ecommerce brands can experience unexpected sales growth.
- A scalable fulfillment solution helps MUNICIPAL accommodate increased demand for its line of men’s apparel.
- To handle growing order volume, the custom fulfillment solution incorporates high-density storage and an efficient pick-and-pass system.
When you launch a new apparel brand, you might not anticipate immediate, rapid growth. However, if the clothing is comfortable and stylish and the brand’s founder is a household name, it’s good to be prepared. Case in point: MUNICIPAL, a men’s athleisure line founded by Mark Walhberg and his partners Stephen Levinson and Harry Arnett.
The founders recognized the need for a swift start-up and the ability to scale for growth while maintaining a high-quality brand experience. Before launching the direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand in July 2020, MUNICIPAL partnered with Saddle Creek Logistics.
When brand took off, they were ready.
Saddle Creek was definitely our best fulfillment option. With their overall operational knowledge, it was a ‘no brainer.’”
– Tyson Alvarez, Director of Operations and Planning, MUNICIPAL
Following is an excerpt from the case study…
High-Density, High Velocity Ecommerce Fulfillment for MUNICIPAL
Saddle Creek quickly engineered a custom ecommerce fulfillment solution that could meet MUNICIPAL’s immediate needs and grow along with the company.
The 3PL opted for a SpeedCell® storage system instead of traditional racking. Able to accommodate thousands of SKUs, the rolling units maximize storage density and allow for faster order picking. They also keep apparel in pristine condition.
To increase velocity and throughput for growing order volume, Saddle Creek implemented a pick-and-pass system. Segmenting the warehouse into zones and assigning pickers for each zone helps minimize distance traveled while improving efficiency and accuracy. A power conveyor moves orders through the picking process.
Attention to detail during order pack-out helps ensure optimal product quality. Silica gel packets are added to poly-bagged apparel to prevent moisture build-up. Branded packing tape is applied in one direction on headwear boxes for maximum impact. Other apparel items ship in branded black poly mailers.
Since the July 2020 launch, Saddle Creek has successfully delivered on MUNICIPAL’s requirements, ensuring efficiency and accuracy. Orders ship same day. And customers enjoy an optimal brand experience when they receive their packages.
Operations can scale easily as order volume grows. That’s lucky! MUNICIPAL just released several new product drops and has more in the works, including the launch of a new women’s line.
To learn more, read the complete case study.
Related to: Managing Growth, Selling Online