Apparel


The supply chain for apparel companies depends on the marketing strategy. Trendsetters develop the market for fashion and have different requirements towards their logistics provider than companies that sell basics (e.g. white T-shirts) in high volumes.
     
Companies in this market segment normally have a high assortment of products which only can be sold in a short period of time. This can be based on the season or on the market trend. The demand forecast is hard to predict before the season takes off. Companies that make mistakes need to sell off products at a much lower price.
     
Leading retailers manufacture the first load to fill the stores in Asia and do the replenishment manufacturing closer to the market. The manufacturing costs are higher but the risk of obsolescence is much lower.
     
Logistics service providers need to be flexible both in the set-up of the supply chain and in the capacity in the chain. For seasonal products (winter or summer) a high volume of customized orders needs to be fulfilled in a short period of time followed by a phase out. Efficient and controlled return handling is required to avoid products being sold as parallel imports.
     
Geodis has a proven track record in different segments of the apparel industry like eye-wear, shoes, sport products.
 

Geodis Know-How

    We have the ability to manage your most complex flows with one aim: costs and "time-to-market" reduction.

    > Logistics: consolidation (raw materials, finished products) and distribution platforms worldwide
    > Freight management: using combined air, sea and road transportation (garments on hanger or flat)
    > Value-added services: assembly, repacking, labelling, quality & quantity control, etc.
    > IT Systems: designed by Geodis and tailored to customer's specifications