The Barrett Blog

This week, I was on a call with a brand desperate to leave their 3PL. When asked if they could share data from their current provider, they responded, “I think we have an Excel sheet somewhere, but our 3PL has never really explained what any of it means.” I went straight to Jordan Johnson , the Director of Data & Analytics at Barrett, to break down the data questions that matter most for brands. From cost control to forecasting, here is what every brand should be asking about data before choosing a 3PL partner. Why is data so important in supply chain operations? Two reasons: cost and service. Costs are climbing across the board, so it is critical to have accurate data to manage and optimize spend. At the same time, visibility is now a baseline expectation. Knowing where products are and when they will reach customers is fundamental, and the right 3PL partner uses data to keep both cost and service in balance. Where is data analytics headed in the 3PL industry? Automation is expanding rapidly. Robotics, computer vision, and similar tools are becoming more affordable and less capital intensive. On the technology side, the next evolution is agentic AI. These tools do not just report on what already happened, they proactively identify anomalies and anticipate issues before they escalate. What makes a data analytics team stand out in 3PL? An exceptional team delivers both internal decision-making power and external insights for clients. At Barrett, that means: Dashboards and portals clients can access directly Monthly and quarterly reviews that surface actionable insights In-house ownership of analytics for agility and speed Context-driven reporting that translates numbers into strategy This dual focus ensures that brands see their data and understand how to act on it. How do analytics prevent costly inventory mistakes? Frequent review is key. Dashboards highlight both fast movers at risk of stockouts and inventory that has been sitting for extended periods, such as 90 days. Context matters, which is why seasonality and product type are built into the analysis. This ensures brands receive meaningful recommendations that lead to better planning, fewer surprises, and lower carrying costs. Can a 3PL support forecasting and budgeting? Yes! It is often a deciding factor for clients choosing Barrett. We work in two ways: Converting client sales forecasts into volume and cost projections Using machine learning models for brands without in-house forecasting capabilities Both approaches help brands set realistic budgets and align resources for growth. Can analytics catch issues before they become major problems? Absolutely. Making performance data visible across the organization helps catch issues quickly. On top of that, anomaly detection flags deviations from historical patterns. Together, these practices give clients peace of mind that problems are identified early rather than after the fact. How can analytics directly save money? Two proven examples: Transportation spend : analyzing service levels to ensure brands are not overpaying for speed they may not need Ordering patterns : adjusting how products are ordered, such as shifting from partial cases to full cases, which reduces handling costs What role does Paccurate play in cost savings? Barrett partners with Paccurate for cartonization, determining the best box for every shipment. This reduces waste, errors, and shipping costs. Paccurate also evaluates packaging history to confirm whether the box mix itself should be adjusted, uncovering additional savings opportunities. How do clients access their analytics? There are two main touchpoints: A web portal with embedded dashboards where clients can pull their own reports and track trends Business reviews, monthly or quarterly, where insights are presented with recommendations for improving cost and service How do you balance fulfillment speed with accuracy? Quality checks are built into the process. Variable audits, error-based sampling, and ship accuracy metrics ensure products reach customers quickly without sacrificing accuracy. What metrics matter most for scaling brands? Two categories: cost and performance. Key metrics include: Average cost per package SLA speed targets, such as 24-hour fulfillment Inbound velocity, which measures how quickly received inventory is available to sell Tracking these ensures that growth does not come at the expense of profitability or customer experience. What technology powers the analytics? Barrett uses a modern cloud-based stack: Snowflake as the data warehouse dbt for transformations and applied business logic Tableau for visualization, embedded directly in client portals This combination provides both flexibility and scalability as brands grow. How do you track productivity without micromanaging? Transparency and fairness are key. Metrics are measured equitably and tied back to cost savings. Through Barrett’s profit-sharing programs, employees see a direct link between hitting productivity targets and shared rewards. This drives performance while maintaining high employee satisfaction. Can analytics improve pricing for clients? Yes. The more complete the data, the tighter and more competitive the pricing solution. New clients often see broader estimates, but after a year of working with Barrett, historical data allows for far more precise pricing models. What is “click to porch” and why does it matter? Click to porch measures the time between when a customer places an order and when it arrives at their door. Brands should aim to minimize this window while managing costs, because it directly impacts customer satisfaction and repeat purchases. How granular can demand forecasting get? With strong data, forecasts can reach the product category or even item level. Apparel, footwear sizes, and seasonal items often have unique demand curves. Barrett’s analytics help clients plan with this level of detail. How does data strengthen client relationships? By creating a level playing field. When both sides work from the same data set, assumptions disappear. Conversations are based on facts, transparency builds trust, and partnerships grow stronger. Can clients request custom reports? Yes. Barrett collects extensive data and can provide custom reporting. More importantly, reports are aligned with client goals so they inform decisions rather than simply share numbers. How do analytics improve efficiency inside the warehouse? Two main levers: Accurate forecasts that inform labor planning Equitable productivity tracking that keeps operations efficient while respecting employees The result is faster and more reliable fulfillment for clients. Don't settle for spreadsheets without explanations if you've read this far! Behind every successful brand is a supply chain partner who knows how to use data. Barrett has been doing that for more than 80+ years. Contact us now for a free consultation with a 3PL expert.

FRANKLIN, Mass., Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Barrett Distribution Centers is proud to announce a new partnership with FCTRY LAb , a trend-setting footwear company headquartered in Los Angeles. Barrett will provide warehousing, fulfillment, and transportation services to support the brand's direct-to-consumer (D2C) operations via fctrylab.com . Co-founded by industry veterans Omar Bailey and Abhi Som , FCTRY LAb is redefining the future of footwear through bold design, rapid innovation, and performance-driven engineering. Known for game-changing releases like the Duckboot - A bold streetwear collaboration with rapper NLE Choppa and the Stomper - A rugged yet refined boot that repurposes a classic silhouette with motorcycle-inspired detailing - worn by Seth Rollins in WWE, FCTRY LAb continues to push the boundaries of modern design. "Barrett checked every box, from their proximity to our HQ and deep footwear experience to their ability to meet fast-paced scaling needs and high order volumes. With the lease ending at our current facility, FCTRY LAb turned to Barrett for a quick and flexible solution, and they delivered," said Ravi Bhaskaran , chief operating officer at FCTRY LAb. "Partnering with Barrett sets us up for success as we enter this next growth phase." In addition to its commercial success, FCTRY LAb has demonstrated elite performance capabilities. Co-founder Omar Bailey , known for designing footwear for MLB and NBA legends, developed custom cleats for Super Bowl champion Jalen Ramsey , which ranked in the top five by the NFL's official testing lab. The brand is also crafting footwear for San Francisco 49ers' Trent Williams , international cricketers, and pro tennis athletes. Recent standout models include the Knight RNR a sleek foam slip–on recovery sneaker , the MOCC for Men and MOCC for Women , a slip-on silhouette fusing moccasin comfort with future tech , and the RUFL Boots , designed to deliver utility and swagger in one powerful statement - as seen on New York Fashion Week. "We're thrilled to bring FCTRY LAb into the Barrett family," said Harrison Smith , director of 3PL pricing. "Led by a visionary team, there's no doubt FCTRY LAb is poised for remarkable growth. We can't wait to be a part of the game-changing future they're building - and to provide the fulfillment and transportation support that helps them get there faster."  Barrett's scalable infrastructure and proven apparel fulfillment expertise make it the right long-term partner as FCTRY LAb continues to grow and disrupt the footwear industry. Operations were launched at Barrett's Montebello, California, facility . About Barrett Distribution Centers Since 1941, Barrett has provided customized third-party logistics (3PL), direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce fulfillment, omnichannel distribution, managed transportation solutions and retail compliance for clients across all industries, with a focus on apparel & footwear, health & beauty, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and education. Barrett continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, known for superior execution, customer engagement and direct access to senior leadership decision makers. As a member of Inc's fastest growing companies list 15+ times, Barrett is big enough to do the job and still small enough to deeply care about your business. Brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Barrett directly here . About FCTRY LAb FCTRY LAb is a Black led high-tech footwear innovation facility and brand based in Los Angeles. Co-Founded by Omar Bailey and Abhi Som, FCTRY LAb's mission is to help creators and brands of all sizes to develop and commercialize footwear while giving them significantly larger ownership than traditional endorsement models. The innovation lab is a bridge between product creation and manufacturing to full commercialization and fulfillment. Official Release Here

3PL Finder 101 "Supply Chain is Not a Spreadsheet" There's so much going on in our industry and almost no time to talk about it all, so sometimes doing a quick 5 min video is best Plus, it's a great 🧠 release for me...sooo Here we go! Let's turn the 3PL search process upside down, maybe sorta just a little bit 👇 1️⃣ Be visible EARLY Don't be invisible or not part of early intro calls - it's OK to use personal discernment + gut feeelings + cultural alignment EARLY in the downselection process. Better early than late! 2️⃣ Meet the actual operators EARLY Ask to meet the operators in the targeted 3PL facilies near the beginning of the process. Imagine downselecting to 3 finalists only to find out that your entire team simply doesn't align with the personality of the leadership in the building?! Ruh-roh, sad face. 3️⃣ Get the financial truth upfront EARLY Ask for audited financials + company performance + a CFO 1v1 EARLY in the process. Again, what's the point in both teams doing all that work, only to find out your preferred future 3PL partner is bleeding cash or completely insolvent, looking for an IPO or a new buyer ASAP. Oops! The BEST partnerships at Barrett  are built on trust, culture, and long-term alignment This is universal Business 101 - believe it!

As someone who once considered Sephora a second home, I never thought I’d say this—but I genuinely can’t remember the last time I bought any of my clean holy grails in a physical store. These days, I’m what you might call a “last-drop” shopper: I wait until I’m down to the final pump of my favorite serum, then panic order online for next-day delivery. Please don’t cancel me, but retail isn’t part of my beauty routine anymore, and I know I’m not the only one. At Barrett, we’ve seen a growing trend: clean beauty companies are turning away from traditional retail in favor of direct-to-consumer (D2C) eCommerce. The reason is clear: D2C creates room for brand storytelling, flexibility in operations, and a better end-to-end experience for today’s value-driven shopper. Here are the real reasons retail is losing its edge, and how D2C creates growth opportunities today. 1. Retail Is Built for Speed, Not Substance (not in this economy) Clean beauty brands are rooted in intention—ingredient integrity, sustainability, and cruelty-free practices. But the retail shelf doesn’t offer much room to explain any of that. When your product is sitting between a $15 drugstore brand and a $45 clean alternative, you’re left competing on price with no space to explain the difference. That disconnect often leads to missed opportunities, especially when: You’re penalized for being thoughtful. Retail prefers high-volume, fast-moving products. You’re held to costly terms. Slotting fees, markdown guarantees, and rigid planograms eat into margins. You’re locked into someone else’s calendar. Product launches are tied to shelf resets, not market demand or customer readiness. Retail often becomes a barrier for brands with a fast innovation cycle or a strong mission, not a booster. 2. D2C Gives You the Power to Educate, Connect, and Convert D2C isn’t just about selling online—it’s about owning the experience. When clean beauty brands shift to D2C, they gain: Creative control: Tell the full story behind your formulas, highlight ingredient sourcing, and explain your mission in your own words. Better margins: Without retail markups, you retain more revenue per order and can reinvest into growth. Direct relationships: With first-party data, you learn what your customers care about and tailor marketing and product development accordingly. Your website becomes more than a shop—it’s a hub for community, education, and loyalty-building. With tools like email, SMS, and loyalty programs, brands can drive repeat purchases without depending on third-party retailers. 3. Today’s Beauty Shopper Is Online (and doing their homework) Millennials and Gen Z consumers aren’t browsing drugstore aisles to discover clean beauty (I can attest to this). They’re scrolling. They’re reading labels. They want transparency, not gimmicky taglines. By selling direct, you can meet them where they already are: Share real reviews and before-and-afters that address real concerns. Use social media to gain exposure and drive traffic to your store—not someone else’s. Create an experience that mirrors what they value: personalized service, conscious packaging, and honest messaging. In short? The D2C model lets you keep the promise that clean beauty was built on. 4. Fulfillment Is the Missing Link—Until It’s Not Let’s talk supply chain. Because even the best product and cleanest brand message fall flat if shipping is slow, inventory runs out, or packaging arrives damaged. That’s where fulfillment becomes make-or-break. At Barrett, we help clean beauty brands scale without losing their identity. We offer: Custom kitting and sustainable packaging solutions that mirror your mission. Climate-controlled environments to maintain product integrity. Nationwide 1–2 day delivery so customers never wait too long for their skincare staples. Dedicated account support from a team that knows beauty isn’t just another category—it’s a commitment. We see fulfillment as a brand experience. Done well, it reinforces your value. Done poorly, today’s buyers are not afraid of a return. Our job is to ensure it supports your growth, not slows you down. 5. Yes, D2C Has Challenges—But They’re Solvable Ad costs are rising. Customer acquisition is tough. Setting up the right tech stack takes time. But those hurdles aren’t unique to clean beauty. And they’re not insurmountable. We work with brands that overcome them every day by: Building communities, not just campaigns. Using subscriptions to create predictable revenue. Leveraging data to improve conversion and retention. Partnering with 3PLs who streamline operations behind the scenes. D2C can be your most efficient, brand-aligned channel with the proper foundation. Clean Beauty Deserves More Than a Shelf Clean beauty was never meant to be crammed between conventional products and explained in three bullet points. These brands were built to lead with purpose and scale with integrity. If that sounds like you, D2C isn’t a risk—it’s a return to your roots, with the tools to grow. And at Barrett, we’re here to help you deliver. From warehousing and fulfillment to scalable shipping and custom packaging, we support beauty brands that believe in doing things differently. Contact us today for a free D2C complimentary supply chain consultation.

Partnering with a 3PL is like getting into a new relationship. It most likely included multiple dates (a lengthy vetting process), maybe a few awkward first conversations, and finally, someone popped the question (aka, signed the contract). But just like any good relationship, the real work (and fun) begins after the honeymoon phase. Here’s what to expect during those first few months together: 1. Onboarding Isn’t Just a Kickoff Call—It’s the “Define the Relationship” Talk You’ll have meetings, and then meetings about the meetings. But don’t worry, this is where the magic starts. From reviewing order profiles and peak seasons to mapping your brand’s packaging specs, this phase is all about setting expectations and getting aligned. At Barrett, we’re not winging it. We follow a structured timeline that ensures everyone knows who’s doing what (and when). 2. Systems Integration = Meeting the Family WMS, OMS, EDI, API—I know, it sounds like alphabet soup. But this part is essential. During these first few weeks, your tech team and ours will ensure your systems play nicely together. Because if your inventory data doesn’t sync or tracking numbers don’t send, it will be a rough honeymoon. 3. Inbound Product Planning: Move-In Day Gets Real Bringing inventory into a 3PL is like moving in with a new roommate. It requires planning, coordination, and maybe a few spreadsheets. We’ll help schedule deliveries, confirm labeling standards, and ensure your SKUs are stored for optimal picking. No one likes that awkward “where did I put that” feeling. 4. Training the Fulfillment Team: Learning Your Love Language You’ve got brand standards. We’ve got checklists. During the first 90 days, your dedicated warehouse team gets trained in everything from your product line to packaging details and QC steps. At Barrett, we aim to make your unboxing experience feel like a love letter to your customer, every time. 5. Soft Launches: The First Weekend Trip Together We won’t go full throttle on Day 1. Instead, we start with a soft launch—fulfilling a smaller volume of orders so we can test processes, troubleshoot, and fine-tune. It’s like a weekend getaway before booking the two-week vacation. Let’s make sure we travel well together. 6. Daily Communication: Texts, Check-ins, and “Are You Free for a Quick Call?” You’ll be hearing from us—a lot. Regular performance updates, DMs, and issue resolution calls are when trust is built and kinks get worked out. With Barrett, you’ll have a dedicated Customer Success Manager (aka your supply chain therapist) to keep things running smoothly. 7. By 90 Days In, It’s Starting to Feel Like a Real Partnership You’ve been through enough together to know it’s working by this point. You’ve ironed out processes, shared a few wins, and maybe even a fire drill or two. Your 3PL should no longer feel like “them”—it should feel like “us.” Ready to Build Something That Lasts? At Barrett, we treat the first 90 days like the foundation of a long-term partnership—because we’re in it for the long haul. Let's chat if you’re ready to start strong (and maybe skip the awkward phase). Contact us for a free supply chain consultation today.

Every month, I would literally wait by the door for my AllureBox. And it got me thinking about subscription boxes and fulfillment (this is what happens when you’ve been indoctrinated into the supply chain world). After working with eComm. brands, here’s one thing I know for sure: clients love convenience, and eCommerce brands love predictable revenue. A subscription service gives you both—it’s having your cake and eating it too. Some of the most well-known subscription box brands that helped popularize the model include Dollar Shave Club (you’ve heard about it on every podcast), Blue Apron, and Stitch Fix. According to a recent McKinsey study, the subscription eCommerce market is projected to reach $473 billion by the end of 2025, up from just $15 billion in 2019. Another thing I know? It’s competitive and getting hot in Hurr. (Also, to millennials everywhere, what happened to Nelly?) Anyway, back to business: behind every perfectly packed box is a complex fulfillment engine that has to manage variation, volume, and velocity. If you're running a subscription box brand, here’s what you need to know to keep operations smooth—and customers coming back. 1. Kitting Isn’t Just Packing Subscription boxes are rarely one-size-fits-all. Bundling products by theme, value, or season is a more complex process than standard pick-and-pack. A good 3PL partner should: Handle high-volume kitting with flexibility Adjust workflows each month based on new box configurations Include quality control at each stage to avoid mispacks or missing items If your kitting process feels like a bottleneck, it might be time to reassess your fulfillment setup. 2. Forecasting Is Your BFFL Unlike on-demand e-commerce orders, subscription brands often ship on a set cadence—monthly, quarterly, or even weekly. That gives you a forecasting advantage. Use this to: Share accurate SKU and volume projections with your 3PL Lock in labor and warehouse space early Secure packaging materials well in advance The earlier your fulfillment team knows what’s coming, the better they can prepare, especially around peak months. 3. Packaging Is THE Experience The box your customer opens is an extension of your brand. It’s not just about protection, it’s about presentation. A fulfillment partner experienced with subscription boxes should: Offer branded packaging options Accommodate custom inserts, coupons, or personalization Know how to balance presentation with speed and accuracy This isn’t about overengineering—it’s about making sure your customer’s first impression is a great one. 4. Returns Are Different for Subscriptions Most subscription box customers don’t expect to return their boxes (woohoo), but when they do, it’s often more about damaged items or delivery issues. Make sure your returns process: Is easy to initiate and clearly communicated Works with your 3PL to handle restocking (when appropriate) Offers visibility into return reasons for future improvements Even low-return categories still need a plan in place. 5. Scale With Seasonality in Mind Subscription brands often see spikes tied to holidays, gifting seasons, or influencer campaigns. Make sure your fulfillment provider can flex with you. That means: Scalable staffing Space to accommodate one-off box versions or gift packaging Reliable turnaround times during peak volume Flexibility is a major key here—especially if your box themes change month-to-month or include limited-time items. TLDR: Subscription Fulfillment Takes Special Handling Your subscribers stick around for the surprise and delight. But behind the scenes, it takes the right fulfillment tactics to make that magic happen month after month. The best 3PLs for subscription brands know how to balance consistency with creativity, and they’re ready to pivot as your business evolves. If you're evaluating your current setup or launching a new box, we're here to help. Contact us for a free supply chain consultation today.

When it comes to choosing a third-party logistics (3PL) partner, most companies focus on the obvious: price and technology. Sure, those matter — but they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Bryan Corbett , VP of Sales and Marketing at Barrett Distribution Centers, has reviewed dozens of RFPs this year from fast-growing DTC startups to Fortune 100 companies. And time after time, he’s seen three often-overlooked factors that can make or break a 3PL relationship. Here are the top three things Bryan says every brand should consider when selecting a 3PL: 1. Choose a 3PL You Can Grow With This is the big one. Don’t pick a 3PL based solely on what your business needs today. Pick a partner that can scale with you in a year, three years, or even five years down the road. The most successful brands think ahead and ask: Who can help us reach our future state? Who has the infrastructure, people and mindset to evolve with us? It’s easy to treat a 3PL search like checking a box—but if you do that, you risk locking into a provider that can’t support your growth. Look for a strategic partner, not just a service provider. If growth isn’t part of your roadmap, you might want to revisit your goals altogether. 2. People Matter—A Lot You grow with people, not platforms. The team behind your 3PL will become an extension of your business, so you need to feel confident they’d fit right in on your own org chart. Ask yourself during the RFP process: Can I picture these people working at our company? Do they “get” our brand and how we operate? At Barrett, we always say we’re only as strong as the GMs and ops leaders inside our buildings. That’s why we encourage prospective partners to go beyond sales conversations. Meet the actual people running the floor. Build relationships with the folks you’ll be emailing and calling when it matters most. 3. Don’t Underestimate Culture Fit If the first two points are about future potential and strong people, culture is the glue that holds it all together. Alignment on work ethic, speed of execution and communication styles plays a huge role in long-term success. When things go wrong—and at some point, they will—you want to be aligned on how to solve problems and how quickly you move. We’ve seen deals fall apart not because of cost or capabilities, but because of mismatched cultures. On the flip side, when we meet a brand that feels like a natural fit for Barrett, we know the partnership will thrive. Final Thought Price and tech are table stakes. But if you want a long-term, high-impact 3PL partnership, look deeper. Ask these three questions: Can this partner grow with us? Do they have the right people in place? Are we aligned culturally? When those answers are yes, you’ll set your supply chain—and your business—up for real success. Have questions about finding the right 3PL fit? Contact us to schedule a complimentary supply chain consultation today.