Apparel Order Fulfillment

Expert US-based Apparel 3PL fulfillment

a2b Fulfillment is a US-based 3PL with extensive experience in the apparel, footwear, and fashion industry.

The fashion industry moves quickly, with short product lifecycles, high SKU counts, and high return rates. Apparel brands face constant consumer scrutiny over quality, customer satisfaction, shipping costs, and delivery times, making establishing and sustaining brand loyalty challenging.

Partnering with a2b for apparel fulfillment gives you a trusted US-based 3PL. They specialize in warehousing, picking, packing, and shipping apparel products. We handle your order fulfillment logistics so you can concentrate on what you do best—designing products and marketing your brand.

What Makes Apparel Fulfillment Unique?

High SKU Counts

High SKU counts characterize the apparel and footwear industries because of the variety of sizes, styles, and colors. Effective inventory and SKU management is critical for successful order fulfillment. a2b’s warehouse management system (WMS) optimizes SKU organization using advanced slotting techniques, ensuring fast-moving products are stored closest to the packing stations. This streamlines fulfillment processes, reduces turnaround times, and drives cost efficiency.

Short Product Lifecycle

Fashion and footwear trends evolve rapidly. These products are often seasonal, with demand peaking for a few months before tapering off. Consequently, high turnover rates can lead to outdated inventory lingering in warehouses.

a2b partners with clients to manage excess inventory through strategic bundling and promotional sales, helping to move outdated stock efficiently.

Apparel Return Management

In 2023, 24% of all apparel purchases were returned. With such a high return rate, having a seamless returns management process is vital. Shoppers value convenience, and 44% avoid reordering from retailers with cumbersome return policies.

By partnering with a2b Fulfillment, businesses benefit from expert handling of order fulfillment and returns management, ensuring a smooth customer experience.

Cost Savings

Outsourcing apparel fulfillment can significantly reduce business expenses. Partnering with a2b Fulfillment eliminates the need to maintain your warehouse and hire logistics staff.

Moreover, fulfillment providers often secure discounted rates with shipping carriers, offering additional savings on shipping costs.

Scalability

As your business grows, so does order volume. A reliable apparel and footwear fulfillment provider can scale operations without compromising efficiency or accuracy. Outsourcing fulfillment to a2b allows businesses to expand seamlessly without worrying about logistical challenges.

Changes Impacting Apparel Companies

The legacy shipping carriers recently announced a 12.9% rate increase for 2025. As shipping costs keep increasing, working with an apparel fulfillment company is crucial.

a2b has provided the best 3PL fulfillment services for the apparel and fashion industry for over 20 years.

We can negotiate lower shipping rates based on our shipping volume, providing you with significant savings.

Section 321 Changes & Mexico Tariffs

Apparel companies were able to leverage Section 321 when importing to the US. However, in December 2024, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum announced new tariffs that take away the value of Section 321. The government implemented the increased tariffs immediately and they will remain in place until April 22, 2026.

This move aimed to help Mexico’s textile industry by adding new import tariffs on textile products. However, it had a significant impact on US apparel companies.

Many apparel companies utilizing 3PLs with locations in Mexico may now consider moving their fulfillment back to the US.

If you consider moving your fulfillment operations back to the United States, a2b is ready to help!

Contact us today.