5 Online Shopping Facts: Leveraging 3PL for Support
Scott Hothem • March 14, 2014
It is undeniable that the way consumers are selecting and purchasing products is evolving. In order to satisfy these new demands, keep your brand relevant and continue to advance your business, the way you operate needs to evolve as well. Online shopping from home and mobile devices has drastically changed the expectations of consumers. Not only are younger demographics fitting this trend, but your traditional buyers are moving in this direction also. According to iacquire.com, the 45-64 demographic makes up 40.4% of online shoppers. The importance of how your business handles these changes and embraces an omni-channel operation has never been higher. As technology continues to expand in its capabilities, the conventional methods of fulfillment and logistics are proving increasingly out dated. The specialization required to address these changes can be both expensive and difficult to implement within your organization. Leveraging the services of an experienced, capable third party logistics provider (3PL) can allow you the resources to stay ahead of the curve. Below are 5 facts about on-line shoppers that put this growing element of business into perspective.
- The largest share of online revenue generated in 2012 was from retail shopping websites which totaled $186.2 billion. This number is projected to increase to $361.9 billion by 2016 (E-Commerce-Statista Dossier 2013). With such a substantial increase in the size of this market expected, utilizing a 3PL can position your business to capitalize on this rapidly growing segment.
- 42% of consumers chose to find a better price online as their reason for purchasing after shopping in a store (RIS/Cognizant). Price points are becoming a bigger consideration for shoppers. Streamlining fulfillment operations and reducing costs can create a competitive advantage with lower prices.
- The number of U.S. digital shoppers is expected to grow from 137 million in 2010 to 175 million by 2016 (eMarketer). This growing consumer base will also have higher demands as far as fulfillment and delivery options. Your ability to deliver product when and where they desire can create significant new opportunities.
- Half of shoppers say that tracking services for online purchases are essential (comScore). Customers today are avoiding stores and ordering remotely for convenience. A part of that convenience is being able to maintain visibility of their purchase and expect it on a certain date. A 3PL cannot only provide this tracking service, but ensure its accuracy.
- 74% of online shoppers cite having a variety of shipping options available as a key to overall satisfaction (comScore). Does your organization currently have the capability to offer a variety of shipping options? And are these options affordable for the consumer while making sense for your bottom line? The efficiencies and expertise afforded by a 3PL can create a wider variety of shipping methods while also making fiscal sense on both ends of the transaction.
All of these statistics point to a growing variable that cannot be ignored. With the number of existing customers, potential customers, competitors and dollars expanding, you need to be able to position your business to compete. The resources and efficiencies available from a 3PL partner can be specifically geared to face these new challenges and opportunities.
At Barrett Distribution Centers, we work with our clients to create the best supply chain plan for their business. We embrace visibility and technology to generate ROI and a higher level of service.
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FRANKLIN, Mass., Aug. 11, 2026 — Barrett Distribution Centers , a leading third-party logistics provider specializing in eCommerce fulfillment, announced a new partnership with PAHI Footwear , an emerging footwear and wellness brand focused on balance, stability and confidence. Barrett is providing omnichannel warehousing, fulfillment and managed transportation services from its Memphis fulfillment campus to support PAHI's direct-to-consumer, independent retail and mass retail channels. "As a growing brand, choosing the right fulfillment partner was a big decision for us," said Luke Schapfel , logistics manager at PAHI. "From the beginning, Barrett took the time to understand our business and where we're headed. Their team was responsive, easy to work with and genuinely invested in helping us build the right foundation for growth. That gave us confidence we had the right partner." The implementation began in late 2025 with a phased rollout. Barrett first onboarded PAHI's direct-to-consumer (D2C) business before expanding support to independent retailers and national retail partners throughout the second and third quarters of 2026. "Barrett has a successful history working with emerging apparel and footwear brands and helping them scale across omnichannel programs," said Scott Hothem , senior vice president of customer solutions at Barrett. "We're excited to support PAHI as it builds its presence in the U.S. market from our Memphis fulfillment campus. We look forward to helping the brand grow across both direct-to-consumer and retail channels." Barrett currently supports approximately 500 SKUs of men's and women's footwear for PAHI across direct-to-consumer, independent retail and mass retail channels. The partnership provides PAHI with a scalable fulfillment foundation as the brand continues to grow across channels. About PAHI Footwear PAHI was born from a simple yet powerful vision: to create footwear that combines comfort, innovation, and stability. The brand was founded to meet the growing need for footwear that offers not only style but also balance and support, empowering people to move with confidence throughout their daily lives. Drawing inspiration from the 5000-year-old twin-hull boat technology, PAHI introduced the P.O.R.T. system, revolutionizing how shoes provide balance. 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 . Media Contact: Faith Artieda Marketing Content Specialist faith.artieda@barrettdistribution.com
FRANKLIN, Mass., Aug. 18, 2026 - Brav , a Norwegian house of ski and outdoor brands, has selected Barrett Distribution Centers as its U.S. omnichannel fulfillment partner to support continued growth across retail and direct-to-consumer channels. Barrett will fulfill Brav's portfolio of ski wax, tuning products, technical apparel, outdoor equipment and accessories from its Memphis, Tennessee fulfillment campus. "For us, the site visit was about more than seeing a facility. It was about meeting the people we would be trusting with our brands," said Michael Bond, director of finance and operations at Brav. "The Barrett team took the time to understand what matters to us and stayed closely involved throughout the transition. That gave us a lot of confidence in the partnership and made us eager to see what's ahead." Brav's portfolio includes Swix, a recognized name in cross-country skiing for more than 75 years, alongside Toko, Ulvang, Lundhags, Helsport and other outdoor brands. Barrett's operation supports the seasonal demands of the business with retail compliance, multi-brand SKU management and temperature-sensitive handling for select wax products. "Brav has built an impressive portfolio of brands with a long history in the ski and outdoor industry, and we're proud to support the next stage of their U.S. growth," said Ed Ryan , vice president of customer solutions at Barrett. "From the beginning, our teams worked closely together to understand the seasonal demands and operational requirements of the business. We're excited about the partnership and look forward to supporting Brav and its brands for years to come." Barrett worked alongside Brav to transition the company's U.S. fulfillment operation, with team members traveling to Brav’s existing warehouse to support the transfer of inventory and operational functions. Following the onboarding process, the operation went live earlier this summer. About Brav Brav is a major player in the sports and outdoor industry and manages some of the most influential brands in the marketplace, including Swix, Toko, Lundhags and Helsport. The mission of Brav is to improve our customers’ quality of life. Acting responsibly, we do this by connecting and developing the best talents in the sport and outdoor industry supporting them to develop and produce the most innovative products and services. 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 . Media Contact: Faith Artieda Marketing Content Specialist faith.artieda@barrettdistribution.com
