Warehousing solutions for lifestyle brands: Key criteria

For lifestyle brands racing to meet customer demands in a fast-paced digital world, the right warehousing partner isn’t just a choice on logistics but a growth strategy. From speed and scalability to tech integration and global reach, warehousing is the backbone of brand success. Warehousing is not just a process but a crucial element in meeting the ever-growing customer demand for speed and quality. Lifestyle brands rely on their ability to deliver exceptional customer service, and most fashion executives prioritise supply chain improvements for business growth.

Top focus areas for lifestyle brands selecting a warehouse partner

• Lifestyle brands need to be able to scale and adapt to seasonal demands: They experience seasonal fluctuations based on global events and trends, high-demand product launches, limited edition releases, and more. Warehousing solutions should not just be scalable but flexible enough to shift when needed, ensuring they can always meet peak demands. According to a survey of 570 global logistics decision makers for The Logistics Trend Map, 78% said that supply chain diversification was important to their business, helping them remain resilient and responsive, especially when supplier or transport channels fluctuate.
• Speed and efficiency for fast order fulfilment: E-commerce and direct-to-consumer brands rely on speed for their business. E-Commerce is ranked as the 8th top trend this year in The Logistics Trend Map, with 97% of fashion and lifestyle companies having fully implemented e-commerce operations into their business. Last-mile delivery, cited as essential by 61% of logistics leaders, depends on accurate and timely order fulfillment which is enabled by the right warehousing systems. Warehousing operations must deliver reliable and timely order picking, packing and shipping to meet tight delivery times and customer expectations. An example is Amazon’s growth in the same-day delivery model, which has set a standard for brands.
• Specialised storage conditions: Some lifestyle brands need specific conditions for the optimal storage of their products. Fragrance and cosmetic products can require temperature-controlled storage, while luxury fashion products need secure storage solutions to prevent damage or theft.
• Flexibility in custom packaging, labelling, and returns management: Custom packaging and labelling help brands stand out and give customers a personalised feel to their purchase. Return rates can be very high but providing a seamless returns process can be essential when it comes to customer brand loyalty. An article by Shopify found that for approximately every 100 products purchased, 17 were returned. The Logistics Trend Map found that reverse logistics is one of the top challenges in retail, with 45% of decision makers citing its complexity and last-mile costs.

What to look for in the right warehousing partner

• Well-placed locations to reduce shipping times: Strategically located warehouses help reduce shipping costs and time, which can increase the likelihood that customers get their products on time. Lifestyle brands should consider the proximity of warehousing to transportation hubs such as airports and ports, which can lead to efficiency and a wider reach.
• Integrated warehouse systems that work: Technology continues to develop and automated solutions are proving pivotal in providing accurate and smooth operations. According to The Logistics Trend Map, 79% of decision makers highlight supply chain visibility’s critical role in retail logistics, which means brands should seek partners with real-time tracking, automated inventory systems, and seamless integrations with online platforms.
• Looking beyond storage: Warehousing partners for lifestyle brands should be positioned to offer value-added services such as quality inspections, customised packaging capabilities, and compliance assistance to serve their customers better.
• The importance of security: High-value products need advanced security measures. Warehousing partners should be able to implement multiple strategies to ensure they meet the security needs of their clients. These strategies include using advanced surveillance theft protection.
• The understated benefit of global reach: The right warehousing partner should be able to assist in building an international network and providing last-mile delivery innovations for an ideal customer experience.

Strategic warehousing to fuel success

Choosing the right warehousing partner is a strategically important decision that impacts brand efficiency, customer satisfaction, and reach. By considering speed, flexibility, technology, and global presence as must-haves, lifestyle brands and their products can move seamlessly from warehouse to customer.

Be ready for your supply chain strategy to go all the way! Discover more with Maersk Logistics Insights, and learn more about Contract Logistics. Or for more logistics trends and insights, read and download The Logistics Trend Map.