Number One Reason Why Trade Shows Matter in the Logistics World

Scott Hothem • July 24, 2013

In the modern e-commerce world where smart phones and tablets enable the end consumer to order anything from anywhere, at anytime, fulfillment and logistics companies are all forced to adapt to the ever-increasing demand of the consumer. The “instant gratification” revolution taking place today is affecting every sector of the supply chain. This revolution is certainly not biased, as it places escalating pressure on manufacturers, retailers, distribution centers, and logistics companies alike.

As technology improves and streamlined processes are continuously put in place, the consumer’s expectations will only become greater. Today, consumers are not only expecting next-day delivery as a preferred option, but are quickly demanding delivery on the same day. With this knowledge in hand, how can retailers, manufacturers, and logistics companies adapt to become more relevant and effective in this fast-paced world of change?

With the complex dimensions involved in supply chain relationships, taking a singular or siloed approach may seem to be the best method to embrace the changing landscape. However, not everything can or should be done alone. In the logistics world, our success is dependent upon the development of different relationships with outside partners. At Barrett Distribution Centers, our current relationships with our retailers and manufacturers come first. Our mission is to create a high level of service and satisfaction with our partners, and our success is contingent upon the health of these relationships.

What is the best way to establish relationships? Nearly any and every resource created on the topic of building relationships will discuss the importance of establishing a connection in person Despite the explosive growth of social networking, there is still nothing that can replace the power of networking in person.

In less than two weeks, the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market will take place in Salt Lake City. Last year, members of the Barrett Distribution Management staff attended the event and found it to be an all-around invaluable resource in discovering the latest trends in the outdoor retail world. Whether it’s discovering brand new industry developments or participating in product demonstrations, attendees can unearth everything fresh in the outdoor retail world for a few days in Salt Lake City.

The Outdoor Retailer Summer Event is also a great place to speak one on one with various manufacturers and retailers in the outdoor industry. With many industry experts and thought leaders concentrated in once place, the venue provides a valuable forum for relevant conversations in person. With the growth in technology, it is possible to have many of these discussions online or over the phone. However, we do still believe that nothing builds trust in a relationship like meeting personally with a partner.

For Barrett Distribution Centers, our expertise in the outdoor and apparel industries makes this a special event for us. With our ability to establish separate order processing and management locations for retail and web orders and improve forecasting capabilities; the Outdoor Retailer Sports Show is the ideal venue for us to showcase our 3PL services. Just as important, we are able to discover the latest strategy and offerings by current and prospective partners in attendance. By meeting in person at the event, we can develop a deeper understanding of the goals and initiatives of other companies and partners. Events like this one are certainly hard to measure in value. However, building trustworthy and solid relationships are a critical factor in the logistics world, and there is no better way to solidify these potential or current relationships than through a handshake and a smile.

A trusted relationship between retailers, manufacturers, fulfillment centers, and logistic companies is vital to the success of the entire supply chain process. There will always be issues and challenges that arise in any business relationship. In the supply-chain world, disruptions can occur unexpectedly. The best weapon of defense for these disruptions is the relationship your company has built with your service partners. Relationships inside of the supply chain built on trust and confidence are the ones that will make it through any possible adaptation or unplanned change in business. And, it is the events like the Outdoor Summer Retailer Program that give birth to these relationships.

With an open-air demo day, dozens of seminars and events, the largest gathering of outdoor retailers and manufacturers, Outdoor Retail Summer Market 2013 promises to be another event to have marked on your calendar. Barrett Distribution Centers will be in attendance and can’t wait to see you in beautiful Salt Lake City. We’ll be at booth #PV722 , so please drop by to introduce yourself. If you are interested in connecting with one of our team members in attendance.

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Most Warehouses Buy the Wrong Robots — Here’s How Barrett Avoids That

By Katherine Wroth • December 16, 2025

Warehouse automation isn’t new, but determining when it actually makes sense is where most companies struggle. Recorded live at WERC 2025 in New Orleans, this conversation brings together leaders directly involved in real-world warehouse automation decisions. Kevin Lawson interviews Chris Lingenfelter , founder of Robot Advisors, and our very own Tim Barrett , CEO of Barrett Distribution Centers. They sit down for a practical discussion on robotics, drones, and the hype surrounding automation. The focus stays on what actually matters: cost per unit, operational fit, employee experience, and ROI. If you’re evaluating warehouse automation or wondering why past investments haven’t delivered, this breakdown offers practical, experience-backed insights. Why Barrett took a robot-agnostic approach One of the most important takeaways from the WERC session: there is no one-size-fits-all robot. Barrett was an early adopter of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), including systems from Locus Robotics and Six River Systems. But instead of standardizing on one solution, the company evaluates automation based on: SKU count and product size Order profiles and velocity Facility layout Customer growth expectations A footwear operation with serialized inventory has very different needs than an apparel fulfillment center, and Barrett treats them that way. The result: better outcomes for customers and lower long-term operational risk. Inventory drones: the unexpected game changer While AMRs get the spotlight, Barrett’s biggest automation win came from inventory drones. Using drone-based cycle counting, Barrett increased inventory count frequency by more than 7x while significantly reducing labor costs. For high-accuracy environments, especially serialized footwear inventory, this technology proved essential. The impact went beyond numbers: Higher inventory accuracy Faster exception resolution Better employee roles focused on analysis instead of manual counting In short, automation didn’t eliminate jobs. It made them better. How Barrett really thinks about ROI ROI isn’t ignored, but it isn’t the only metric. Barrett evaluates automation using cost per unit shipped rather than chasing flashy payback models. Capital investments are amortized based on contract life and redeployment potential, then layered with labor and operating costs. The guiding question is simple: Which solution produces the lowest sustainable cost per unit? That approach keeps decision-making grounded and aligned with customer outcomes, not tech hype. “To bot or not” starts with a baseline Chris Lingenfelter, founder of Robot Advisors, reinforced a critical point during the session: You can’t evaluate automation if you don’t understand how your warehouse operates today. Many companies struggle to answer basic questions: What does each unit really cost to ship? Where are labor inefficiencies hiding? Which processes are already working well? Before recommending automation, Robot Advisors helps operators establish a true baseline, then compare technologies objectively. Sometimes, the right answer isn’t robotics at all. That honesty matters. Automation as a competitive advantage for 3PLs For Barrett, automation isn’t just an operational tool. It’s a competitive differentiator. When engaging new prospects, the team often presents: Multiple automation paths Clear tradeoffs between solutions A data-backed rationale for each option That depth of analysis resonates with COOs and CFOs evaluating long-term fulfillment partners. It signals preparedness, transparency, and experience, not guesswork. The workforce question: what changes, what doesn’t As robotics adoption increases, warehouse roles are evolving. At Barrett, automation shifted labor away from repetitive tasks and toward: Exception management System oversight Data analysis Engineering and IT support Over time, this required growing centralized IT and engineering teams, a necessary investment to support advanced operations across multiple facilities. The takeaway from WERC 2025 was clear: automation changes work. It doesn’t eliminate the need for people. Thinking about automation, but not sure where to start? Contact us now for a free supply chain consultation.

No Assembly Required: Barrett Distribution Centers Powers Maxwood Furniture's West Coast DTC Expansion

By Katherine Wroth • December 9, 2025

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The 8 Biggest Personalization Trends Driving Holiday Sales Right Now

By Katherine Wroth • November 28, 2025

As a marketer, I can’t help but think about how much “fluff” is in advertising and how people are bombarded daily with thousands of generic messages. And as I begin my holiday shopping, it honestly hurts my soul knowing that dad is getting another set of generic socks, sister is getting another plain ceramic coffee mug, and mom is getting another non-stick pan that will end up with the hundreds she already has. Then I started noticing people line up for HOURS to get their bags monogrammed, their journals engraved, and their gifts wrapped with custom notes — and it hit me. Personalization is all about a feeling. The feeling that you thought deeply about someone when choosing a gift, and that it wasn’t just another HomeGoods candle regift (we’ve all been there — no judgment, but I am squinting). And yes, these are the things that keep me up at night. But on a larger scale, I’m always thinking about what brands could be doing better. And the data is in: personalization is one of the most effective ways to stand out. According to Salesforce, 78% of consumers are more likely to repurchase from brands that personalize their offerings , and Adobe reports that 52% of consumers now expect personalized offers from retail brands . What used to be a “nice touch” is now the expectation. Below are the personalization trends we see leading the charge this holiday season — many of which you’ll spot in our recent personalization workflow video. 1. Monogramming is having a moment Embroidery remains one of the most requested personalization services. It creates an emotional connection that gift shoppers love, and when it’s built directly into fulfillment operations, it avoids the bottlenecks brands often face. 2. UV printing is becoming a go-to for fast customization UV printing delivers a premium look quickly and works across a wide range of materials. It provides brands with the flexibility to offer personalization without compromising shipping promises. 3. Laser engraving continues to stand out for gifting Engraving adds depth, permanence, and a premium feel that elevates even simple products. With 86% of shoppers stating that personalization influences their purchasing decisions , engraving has become a strategic differentiator for gifting moments. 4. Debossing is rising in popularity for premium and corporate gifting The subtle, elevated finish resonates with shoppers seeking something that feels intentional and gives professional vibes. It also photographs beautifully, which matters when unboxing content drives discovery. 5. Handwritten notes still matter There’s nothing more human than a handwritten message. A simple note can turn a routine order into a moment worth sharing, and shoppers notice the effort. 6. Gift wrapping expectations are higher than ever Gift wrapping used to be a “nice-to-have." Shoppers want gifts to arrive ready to give, and they expect the wrap to match the quality of the item. When a 3PL integrates wrapping into its workflow, brands get consistency without sacrificing speed. 7. Kitting and curated sets are on the rise Gift sets and bundles remain one of the strongest trends of the season. Customers love the convenience and the elevated presentation, but behind the scenes, kitting requires organization and accuracy — especially during peak. That’s where strong fulfillment workflows matter. 8. Custom packaging shapes the unboxing experience Personalized tissue, belly bands, stickers, sleeves, and inserts transform a simple shipment into a brand moment. Deloitte found that 54% of consumers expect a personalized unboxing experience , and 70% say that custom packaging enhances their perception of a brand . Packaging is all about storytelling. Why personalization matters more this season Across retail, personalization drives: Higher repeat purchases Increased AOV Stronger first impressions Better loyalty More organic social content With 40% of consumers spending more than planned when they receive personalized experiences , the value is undeniable. The brands that stand out are the ones that can deliver personalization consistently, accurately, and quickly — especially when volume spikes. How Barrett brings personalized fulfillment to life Within Barrett facilities, personalization is an integral part of the operational workflow for many of our partners. Our teams support brands with: Monogramming and embroidery UV printing Laser engraving Debossing Gift wrapping Handwritten notes Custom packaging setups Kitting and bundling Real-time visibility and reporting Brands get the elevated customer experience they want without compromising speed or accuracy. Big plans for custom services next year? If your brand wants to introduce new custom services or scale the ones you already have, an experienced 3PL partner is non-negotiable. Contact us for a free personalization supply chain consultation today.