Fashion Logistics:
Tailor-Made Logistics Solutions for Your Industry

Fast fashion trends, a high return rate and ever-increasing customer expectations are making the fashion industry a highly dynamic environment. By automating your fashion logistics, your company will benefit from flexibility, efficiency and reliable deliveries – making sure you’re always one step ahead of the competition.

Future-proof textile logistics catering to the fashion industry

In order to be successful in a fast-paced environment, like the fashion industry, retailers require high-performance fashion logistics. Logistics processes need to allow players to act and respond quickly, flexibly and reliably across all channels as retailers are faced with a number of challenges such as short product life cycles, seasonal peaks, high return rates and the balancing act between online and brick and mortar retail. This is where cutting-edge fashion logistics automation comes into play, providing agility and resilience for efficient textile logistics.

Our fashion logistics solutions accelerate processes, minimize errors and ensure you can deliver across all your sales channels. Whether you’re looking for store-friendly delivery, intelligent returns management or next-day delivery, our scalable systems grow along with your requirements. We design our systems with the end consumer in mind because a great customer experience starts with automated logistics.

We understand the fashion industry and its challenges. We are your partner for intelligent, future-proof fashion logistics.

Ein Mann in marineblauem Anzug und weißem Hemd steht vor einer schlichten weißen Wand, die Hände in den Taschen, und blickt mit einem leichten Lächeln in die Kamera - eine perfekte Verkörperung des modernen Fashion Logistik Stils.

Johannes Holas,
Vice President Fashion Soultions, KNAPP

Have we sparked your interest?
We’re happy to answer all your questions.
Email: sales@knapp.com

#passion4fashion

As a long-term partner, we stand behind our customers’ promises and support their strategy for success with our cutting-edge technology.
Johannes Holas
Vice President Fashion Solutions, KNAPP

Are you interested in efficient logistics automation for the fashion industry?

We help renowned fashion brands succeed

The graphical representation shows the logo of Tempe Inditex, a customer of KNAPP
NEXT logo, a customer of the KNAPP AG
Luxottica logo, a company in the Healthcare sector
Celio logo
Das Zalando-Logo zeigt eine orangefarbene, abgerundete Dreiecksform links neben dem Wort "zalando" in fetten, schwarzen Kleinbuchstaben auf weißem Hintergrund - ein Symbol für innovative Fashion Logistik.
Olymp logo
The graphical representation shows the logo of Decathlon, a customer of KNAPP
ASICS logo
REI Co-op-Logo mit stilisiertem Baum und Berggipfeln in Schwarz und dem Text "REI co-op" darunter - eine ikonische Marke, die sowohl in Outdoor-Ausrüstungs- als auch in Fashion Logistik-Kreisen bekannt ist.
Marc Cain logo

Our fashion logistics solutions

Système de stockage automatisé à navettes pour la logistique Retail

Automated storage and retrieval systems for fashion companies

From our shuttle solutions to bot systems and stacker cranes, all of our automated storage and retrieval systems are tailored to the requirements of the fashion sector. They quickly pick, buffer and sequence textiles, shoes and accessories.
Learn more about our selection of efficient storage and retrieval systems:

Système de convoyage et de tri AutoPocket pour la logistique Retail

Conveying, sorting and handling fashion items

We offer a comprehensive solution portfolio for efficiently conveying, sorting and handling fashion and sporting goods. It includes everything from solutions for hanging and flat-packed goods to pocket sorters for returns and high-speed shipping sorters.
Find out more about our flexible systems:

Une femme utilise un tableau de bord de données.

Software designed for fashion logistics

Our software provides central, intelligent control of all processes in the fashion warehouse from goods-in to goods-out and beyond. Whether you need a WMS, WCS, machine control system or software for analysis and resource planning, our software products let you stay on top of your processes and optimize your entire fashion supply chain.
Find out more about our digital solutions and software:

Postes de travail Pick-it-Easy assistés par la technologie pour la logistique Retail

High-tech work stations for fashion warehouses

Our sophisticated work stations combine ergonomic design with intelligent guidance through processes such as efficient picking and returns handling. Since the stations are connected directly to the automatic systems, items arrive just in time, shortening walking distances, reducing errors and boosting efficiency.
Find out more about goods-to-person picking:

Ein weißer Pick-Roboter arbeitet in einem modernen Gehäuse mit Metallrahmen, Oberlicht und dunklem Hintergrund.

Robots for automated textile logistics

With our robot solutions for bin picking, full-case picking and autonomous transport, we’re upping the efficiency in fashion warehouses. Our systems take the strain off your employees and ensure performance is consistently high – even as volumes grow.
Learn more about robotics and AI:

Our fashion logistics solutions

Système de stockage automatisé à navettes pour la logistique Retail

Automated storage and retrieval systems for fashion companies

From our shuttle solutions to bot systems and stacker cranes, all of our automated storage and retrieval systems are tailored to the requirements of the fashion sector. They quickly pick, buffer and sequence textiles, shoes and accessories.
Learn more about our selection of efficient storage and retrieval systems:

Système de convoyage et de tri AutoPocket pour la logistique Retail

Conveying, sorting and handling fashion items

We offer a comprehensive solution portfolio for efficiently conveying, sorting and handling fashion and sporting goods. It includes everything from solutions for hanging and flat-packed goods to pocket sorters for returns and high-speed shipping sorters.
Find out more about our flexible systems:

Une femme utilise un tableau de bord de données.

Software designed for fashion logistics

Our software provides central, intelligent control of all processes in the fashion warehouse from goods-in to goods-out and beyond. Whether you need a WMS, WCS, machine control system or software for analysis and resource planning, our software products let you stay on top of your processes and optimize your entire fashion supply chain.
Find out more about our digital solutions and software:

Postes de travail Pick-it-Easy assistés par la technologie pour la logistique Retail

High-tech work stations for fashion warehouses

Our sophisticated work stations combine ergonomic design with intelligent guidance through processes such as efficient picking and returns handling. Since the stations are connected directly to the automatic systems, items arrive just in time, shortening walking distances, reducing errors and boosting efficiency.
Find out more about goods-to-person picking:

Ein weißer Pick-Roboter arbeitet in einem modernen Gehäuse mit Metallrahmen, Oberlicht und dunklem Hintergrund.

Robots for automated textile logistics

With our robot solutions for bin picking, full-case picking and autonomous transport, we’re upping the efficiency in fashion warehouses. Our systems take the strain off your employees and ensure performance is consistently high – even as volumes grow.
Learn more about robotics and AI:

Curious about more solutions for fashion logistics?

Benefits for fashion logistics

Our automated logistics solutions for the fashion sector offer plenty of advantages:

Efficient returns management

In fashion e-commerce, returns are a common and inevitable part of the retail cycle. However, automated fashion logistics can help you overcome this challenge: Efficient returns processes not only improve customer satisfaction, but also return items to stock quickly so they’re ready for sale again. Our smart logistics systems speed up this process while optimizing stocks and keeping both your cash flow and your profitability stable.

Managing seasonal peaks efficiently

From Black Friday to summer sales, our scalable systems respond flexibly to fluctuations in demand and ensure you’re always able to deliver, no matter what. We design fashion logistics systems so that they work efficiently all year long without being any larger than they need to – and while still delivering top performance on peak days like Black Friday.

Shop-friendly Delivery

Our solutions allow you to offer store-friendly delivery, where goods are prepared in the warehouse so they can be put away in the store with minimal effort. This makes store employees’ work easier, makes goods available more quickly and increases efficiency along the value chain.

Next-Day-Delivery & fast delivery times

In the fashion sector, short delivery times – including next-day delivery – are a major contributor to success. Customers expect reliable and punctual delivery, even for last-minute orders. To make it possible, all processes have to mesh perfectly with each other. Our automated fashion logistics solutions do just that with their short lead times, intelligent order prioritization and real-time tracking that result in reliable deliveries.

Scalable solutions for growing businesses

Our fashion logistics solutions are designed to grow along with your requirements, whether you’re a startup or a global fashion retailer. Whether your order volumes grow or you add new sales channels, you can expand our scalable systems as needed, ensuring your logistics processes deliver top performance today, tomorrow and beyond.

Omnichannel fulfillment from one warehouse

From online shops to brick and mortar ones, our automated fashion logistics solutions let you control all of your sales channels centrally from a single warehouse. Our omnichannel systems for fashion logistics ensure seamless order fulfillment that flexibly responds to different ordering patterns without leading to double stock or operational interruptions.

References:
Successful customer projects in fashion logistics

Eine dynamische Ansicht einer automatisierten Industriemaschine, die Reihen weißer Pakete mit hoher Geschwindigkeit in einer modernen Lagerautomatisierungs-Industrieumgebung sortiert oder bewegt, wobei die schnelle Bewegung durch Bewegungsunschärfe hervorgehoben wird.

Tempe Inditex: Automated store fulfillment for accessories and more

Tempe Inditex supplies brands such as Zara and Bershka with accessories, shoes and handbags. Using AutoPocket increased the company’s warehouse performance and employee productivity, even when there’s a lot of sorting to be done.

Eine Person tippt auf einem Tablet mit Tastatur, auf dem ein Management-Übersichtsdiagramm und Diagramme zum Thema Lagerautomatisierung Industrie angezeigt werden. Eine Tasse Kaffee mit einem Löffel auf der Untertasse steht auf dem Tisch neben dem Gerät.

ASOS: Data-driven logistics with KiSoft Analytics

ASOS, an online fashion retailer, rounds out their German logistics center with intelligent logistics software. Integrating KiSoft Analytics has improved transparency, analyzability and operational efficiency.

In einem modernen, gut beleuchteten Lager der Lagerautomatisierung Industrie navigiert ein Robotersystem zwischen hohen Regalen, die mit braunen Kartons gefüllt sind. Das Lager ist sehr gut organisiert und stellt eine fortschrittliche Automatisierungstechnik dar.

Luxottica: Global omnichannel distribution

Luxottica, a provider of exclusive eyewear and fashion brands, optimized their global supply chain with a highly automated omnichannel distribution center that combines shuttles, automated picking systems and robots in one central system.

Ein Blick in ein automatisiertes Lager zeigt modernste Lagerautomatisierung, mit Metallregalen, blauen Lagerbehältern und einem unscharfen Shuttle, das auf Schienen fährt - die Essenz der modernen Industrieautomatisierung.

DSV: Tailor-made omnichannel fashion logistics

As a 3PL provider, DSV runs a distribution center for a well-known sporting goods manufacturer. Our flexible automation solution provides error-free order fulfillment for DSV’s customers across all their sales channels.

Weiße Stoffsäcke, von denen einige mit "NEXT" beschriftet sind, hängen an einem automatischen Schienensystem in einem Industrielager, das die moderne Lagerautomatisierung Industrie mit sichtbaren Maschinen und einer grünen Kontrollleuchte im Vordergrund zeigt.

Next plc: From split tray to pocket sorter

British fashion retailer Next opted for AutoPocket to increase their efficiency, save on personnel and provide better service. The new system replaces their old split tray sorter and makes outbound tasks such as sequencing and sorting for online retail more efficient.

Ein großes Fashion Logistik-Lager mit mehreren Förderbändern, die Kartons transportieren, umgeben von hohen Regalen mit verschiedenen Waren und einigen Arbeitern im Hintergrund.

Celio: Proven technology for dependable store delivery

French fashion retailer Celio has been using our split tray sorter to sort flat-packed goods for store delivery since 2012. The result? Optimized processes, increased efficiency and a consistently high service level.

References:
Successful customer projects in fashion logistics

Eine dynamische Ansicht einer automatisierten Industriemaschine, die Reihen weißer Pakete mit hoher Geschwindigkeit in einer modernen Lagerautomatisierungs-Industrieumgebung sortiert oder bewegt, wobei die schnelle Bewegung durch Bewegungsunschärfe hervorgehoben wird.

Tempe Inditex: Automated store fulfillment for accessories and more

Tempe Inditex supplies brands such as Zara and Bershka with accessories, shoes and handbags. Using AutoPocket increased the company’s warehouse performance and employee productivity, even when there’s a lot of sorting to be done.

Eine Person tippt auf einem Tablet mit Tastatur, auf dem ein Management-Übersichtsdiagramm und Diagramme zum Thema Lagerautomatisierung Industrie angezeigt werden. Eine Tasse Kaffee mit einem Löffel auf der Untertasse steht auf dem Tisch neben dem Gerät.

ASOS: Data-driven logistics with KiSoft Analytics

ASOS, an online fashion retailer, rounds out their German logistics center with intelligent logistics software. Integrating KiSoft Analytics has improved transparency, analyzability and operational efficiency.

In einem modernen, gut beleuchteten Lager der Lagerautomatisierung Industrie navigiert ein Robotersystem zwischen hohen Regalen, die mit braunen Kartons gefüllt sind. Das Lager ist sehr gut organisiert und stellt eine fortschrittliche Automatisierungstechnik dar.

Luxottica: Global omnichannel distribution

Luxottica, a provider of exclusive eyewear and fashion brands, optimized their global supply chain with a highly automated omnichannel distribution center that combines shuttles, automated picking systems and robots in one central system.

Ein Blick in ein automatisiertes Lager zeigt modernste Lagerautomatisierung, mit Metallregalen, blauen Lagerbehältern und einem unscharfen Shuttle, das auf Schienen fährt - die Essenz der modernen Industrieautomatisierung.

DSV: Tailor-made omnichannel fashion logistics

As a 3PL provider, DSV runs a distribution center for a well-known sporting goods manufacturer. Our flexible automation solution provides error-free order fulfillment for DSV’s customers across all their sales channels.

Weiße Stoffsäcke, von denen einige mit "NEXT" beschriftet sind, hängen an einem automatischen Schienensystem in einem Industrielager, das die moderne Lagerautomatisierung Industrie mit sichtbaren Maschinen und einer grünen Kontrollleuchte im Vordergrund zeigt.

Next plc: From split tray to pocket sorter

British fashion retailer Next opted for AutoPocket to increase their efficiency, save on personnel and provide better service. The new system replaces their old split tray sorter and makes outbound tasks such as sequencing and sorting for online retail more efficient.

Ein großes Fashion Logistik-Lager mit mehreren Förderbändern, die Kartons transportieren, umgeben von hohen Regalen mit verschiedenen Waren und einigen Arbeitern im Hintergrund.

Celio: Proven technology for dependable store delivery

French fashion retailer Celio has been using our split tray sorter to sort flat-packed goods for store delivery since 2012. The result? Optimized processes, increased efficiency and a consistently high service level.

The KNAPP solution has taken our logistics processes to a whole new level.
Mark Bezner
Managing Partner OLYMP Bezner KG
KNAPP is a partner who is passionate about textiles and who is a one-stop provider for software and tech.
Robert Boland
Head of Logistics Technical Development, Marc Cain
The reliability of the KNAPP system helps us keep our customer promise.
Marcus Daute
Vice President Logistics Network, Zalando
The KNAPP shuttle solution combined with the pocket sorter enables us to meet peaks with ease.
Jag Collier
Head of Inbound and Outbound Logistics, TVG

FAQs - All about fashion logistics

Seasonal fluctuations, whether due to new collections, seasonal sales or trends are particular challenges in fashion logistics. Modern flexible, data-based processes can really help fashion retailers to manage these fluctuations, all while keeping focused on the consumer:

  • Prognosis-based planning: By using data-based analyses, seasonal fluctuations in demand can be recognized early on so that the number of personnel, warehousing space and resources can be optimally adjusted.
  • Optimized storage strategies: Seasonal best sellers and trending products are stored and picked in strategic locations in the warehouse to ensure rapid availability when demand is particularly high.
  • Data-driven decisions: Having real time data available means processes can be continually analyzed and then flexibly adapted, for example, for optimizing routes or controlling storage capacities.
  • Flexible use of the system: Storage and picking systems can be adapted dynamically to ensure efficient fulfillment for both brick and mortar and e-commerce. Both sales channels are served from a single warehouse stock.
  • Efficient returns management: After a seasonal peak, the volume of returns rises. Automated processes speed up the return to storage and re-availability of the fashion items.
  • Simulation and system check: Simulations help you identify and prevent potential bottlenecks. Regular system health checks ensure that it performs optimally and is equipped to handle seasonal fluctuations.

These measures help to keep fashion logistics stable, scalable and customer-oriented even during seasonal peaks, which provides a clear competitive advantage for fashion retailers.

In the fashion sector, sustainability plays an important role. By investing in intelligent processes and technologies that save resources, fashion retailers combine their ecological responsibility with economic efficiency:

  • Eco-friendly packaging: The use of recyclable or biodegradable materials reduces the ecological footprint for shipping and returns of fashion items.
  • Tailored packaging solutions: Precise packaging minimizes packaging waste and furthermore optimizes the use of space when transporting clothing and accessories.
  • Efficient use of floorspace in the warehouse: Intelligent planning and compact warehouse designs reduce the amount of space required.
  • Lifecycle management for systems: Existing logistics systems are modernized, saving resources and extending their service life.
  • Optimized delivery routes: Smart route planning and using local micro fulfillment centers keep delivery routes short, reduce emissions and make deliveries to customers more sustainable.
  • Sustainable returns processes: The efficient return and reconditioning of returns reduces waste and promotes a more circular economy in the fashion sector.

Such measures make fashion logistics more sustainable, strengthening the brand image of fashion retailers and fulfilling rising consumer expectations for environmental awareness.

For fashion enterprises, efficient reverse logistics is a central factor in success. The focus is on digital processes, automation, and data-based control for processing returns quickly, cost-effectively and, for the consumer, conveniently:

  • Digital recording and inspection: Incoming shipments of returns are electronically recorded, inspected and reconditioned for resale in a transparent and traceable process.
  • Automated refunds and re-integration into the warehouse: Refunds are automatically made as the returned fashion items are booked directly back into the warehouse.
  • Flexible storage zones for fashion items: Seasonal best sellers and trend items are stored in dynamic buffer areas, from which these items are rapidly available for resale.
  • Efficient storage of slow movers and surplus inventory: Items with less demand or seasonal items are space-effectively and systematically stored.
  • Partially or fully automated processes: Depending on the number of returns, processes can be supported manually or fully automatically.
  • Data-based analysis and prognosis: Intelligent software makes prognoses on returns, identifies trends and provides support in making strategic decisions.

These solutions not only make reverse logistics for fashion faster and more cost-efficient, but also more consumer-oriented and sustainable.

For fashion retailers, transport from the warehouse to the consumer – the last mile – is a crucial competitive factor and vital to customer satisfaction. Modern technologies and innovative logistics solutions can improve this process exactly as needed:

  • Intelligent route planning: Routes are planned using software that takes the current traffic situation into account, which shortens not only delivery times, but also reduces CO₂ emissions.
  • Digital delivery processes: The app guides the driver along the optimal route, and the delivery of the fashion item to the consumer is digitally documented for maximal transparency and tracking.
  • Data-based process optimization: Analysis tools provide valuable key figures to continually improve deliveries.
  • Automated storage and picking systems: Modern shuttle systems such as the Evo Shuttle ensure rapid, precise picking, quickly preparing fashion items for shipping.
  • Micro fulfillment center: Small automated warehouses close to the city shorten delivery routes, facilitate same- or next-day-delivery and raise customer satisfaction.
  • Space-saving, customized packaging: Customized packaging solutions reduce the volume of each shipment, allowing more orders to fit into a transport vehicle. In turn, this increases vehicle utilization and makes deliveries faster and more efficient.

These solutions make the last mile for fashion e-commerce not only faster and more efficient, but also more sustainable and consumer-oriented – a clear benefit for retailers and consumers alike.

Global service network and a reliable partner

Our International Customer Service looks after your logistics system – around the globe, around the clock, 365 days a year. Discover more about our services, from seamless support to optimizing your system!

Are you interested in our logistics solutions for the fashion industry?

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