Clothes are part of our daily life, and we all wear them without thinking about how we have easy access to them. Whether it’s your favorite pair of trousers, a comfy hoodie, or a dress you bought for your birthday dinner, every piece of clothing goes through a process before it reaches your wardrobe.
The apparel industry is one of the largest industries in the world and is worth more than $1 trillion. This shows how big this industry is growing and its impact on the world's economy. From the people who source the raw materials and production in factories to shipping and displaying them in stores, apparel goes through a long chain. Because this journey is so complex, logistics management is extremely important in clothing.
Unlike other industries, the fashion industry does not produce the same clothes every year. This is because fashion is not stagnant, and it changes with time and seasons. Customers also expect fresh designs and different types of fabrics, styles, and sizes that fit their body type.
All these expectations can be very straining for the industry and more difficult to handle when compared to many others. That’s why businesses need strategies to keep everything running smoothly.
What is an Apparel Logistics Chain?
An apparel logistics chain is defined as a network of processes that clothes go through before reaching their final destination. It comprises people, businesses, and services that work together to move a finished garment from its origin all the way to the end consumer.
This process involves every step from sourcing the fabrics used and shipping them to the factories where these materials are sewn into garments to distributing them across the world.
For example: a clothing brand can be located in North America and source its raw materials in Europe while most manufacturing and production is done in Asia. This brand will often experience logistical challenges and need a strategic approach to solve the issue in order to meet their customers' needs.
Essential Parts of the Apparel Logistics Chain
Here are some of the steps that apparel goes through to reach their final consumers. These steps are often connected, and omission or a problem at any stage can affect the entire process.
Raw Materials Sourcing
This is the first stage in the apparel making, and it is the most important part. Without raw material, clothes and other accessories, such as buttons, zippers, threads, labels, or even packaging, cannot be made.
At this stage, brands search for good materials that can be transported to their production site on time. They also choose suppliers with the best quality raw material
Production
Once they receive the raw materials, they start producing clothes in large quantities or according to the brand's vision. This process involves turning a piece of fabric into finished apparel that is amazing . Quality control is a big part of this stage, because no brand wants to sell clothes that have issues.
Warehousing and Distribution
After the clothes are produced, they are safely stored in places such as warehouses or logistics centers, organized, and before distribution. This might be shipping them to physical retail stores around the world or directly delivering them to customers who shop online.
The Biggest Logistics and Storage Issues That Apparel Companies Face
Seasonal Demand and Fashion Trends
Style changes and trends come and go in the fashion industry every time. A jacket that is popular this winter may not sell at all in the next season. Festivals, holidays, and sales seasons also increase customers' demand for specific clothing.
This means companies need to plan correctly; they either run out of stock or have too much stock that is often dumped in their warehouse.
Inventory Imbalances
Apparel comes in different sizes, colors, fabrics, and designs, and needs constant tracking of inventory to know exactly what is available and what’s running low. Imagine a clothing store full of stock but does not have the most popular size that their customers want.
This mistake happens when inventory is not tracked properly with little to no planning. Knowing the apparel that is sold daily and the ones that remain in the store ensures constant revenue flow and customer satisfaction.
Limited Warehouse Space
All clothes are not stored the same way, as doing so can destroy their material or style. While some need to be hung, others are best folded or stored in boxes. Warehouses with limited space make it difficult to organize clothes in the right manner. It also causes clutter, where clothes are packed in small spaces, making it difficult to fulfill orders on time.
High Return Rates
According to reports, the clothing industry has one of the highest return rates among others. When people order different clothing sizes, they return the ones that do not fit them. Handling these returns requires space, extra labor, and time.
Not to mention the fact that returned apparel must be checked and repacked before adding it to the inventory. Having too much return can lead to unsold stock, which can become outdated or out of style the next season.
Apparel Logistics and Delivery Delays
Trends do not stay for a long time, and a delay in the delivery of a trendy fashion item can make a product irrelevant. For example, if summer clothes arrive in stores at the beginning of a monsoon season, no one will want to buy them. Partnering with a reliable apparel freight company ensures there are no delays throughout your shipping.
Demand for Sustainability
Consumers today want to know if brands are operating ethically and protecting the environment. Many are now demanding eco-friendly clothing materials, packaging, and greener supply chains. Focusing on sustainability and better practices will help brands show they can be trusted and also put the needs of their customers first.
In Conclusion
The apparel supply chain is one of the most complex processes as it combines fast-changing demand, different types of products, and high customer expectations. In order to stay competitive, companies need smarter systems, flexible warehousing, and a reliable apparel freight company. By addressing these key logistics and storage issues, apparel businesses will serve their customers better and grow in revenue.
Unify Logistic Solutions is a company that connects businesses to the right logistics careers. No matter where you want your shipment to go across the United States or Canada, we have a network of carriers that are professionals with the right equipment to ensure your shipment reach your desired destination at the right time.