Barrett Partners with UNIT AI Robotics

AI-guided automation now runs alongside Barrett's omnichannel fulfillment teams, giving high-growth apparel, footwear, and consumer brands a faster, leaner way to scale across Barrett's multi-node fulfillment network.

TALK TO OUR TEAM

HOW UNIT AI ROBOTICS WORK

  • Automated Returns Matching

    The predictive AI software analyzes inbound returns immediately. If a matching active order exists, the swarm-style robots isolate the item for immediate re-fulfillment, entirely bypassing traditional restock latency.

  • Intelligent Single-Item Consolidation

    For slower-moving returned items, the software automatically aggregates individual products into optimized units based on criteria like SKU, specific brand, or condition grade.

  • Increased Efficiency

    Robots store and retrieve each item instead of relying on manual picking.

  • Less Labor

    Automation handles the repetitive work, so peak volume doesn't require a matching surge in temporary staff.

  • Room to Scale

    The system is modular and designed to scale up easily, so capacity can expand with your order volume.

OUTBOUND FULFILLMENT

Automation built for Ecommerce

Barrett has partnered with UNIT AI to bring AI-powered automation and robotics into our multi-node returns and fulfillment operations. That means less dependence on manual labor, higher fulfillment metrics, and better use of warehouse space, with the speed and accuracy your customers expect. In partnership with UNIT AI, we are combining AI-powered warehouse automation, with our multi-node fulfillment network and purpose-built returns technology to improve the unit economics for our customers. This highly flexible automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) is specifically engineered to manage high-velocity direct-to-consumer (D2C) e-commerce fulfillment and complex returns.

UNIT robotics device held in a hand, showing its compact size

Small footprint, real throughput

Each unit is small enough to hold in one hand and deploys into as little as 500 square feet, so Barrett can add automation inside existing facilities instead of building new ones.


That matters for brands scaling into peak, a new channel, or a second fulfillment node: capacity comes online faster, and without the capital cost of a full automated storage and retrieval build-out.

REVERSE LOGISTICS

Fulfillment and Returns Processing that Scale

As order volume grows, most fulfillment models get more expensive per order: more labor, more space. Through UNIT AI, we combine AI-powered warehouse automation, a multi-node warehouse network and purpose-built returns technology, so your per-order costs hold steady as you grow, even at peak.


Returns don't have to be a cost center. Barrett's multi-node returns network allows brands the ability to process returns closer to your customers, which cuts return shipping costs and improves fill rates for those items most in demand. UNIT AI's system enables returns processing and order fulfillment from the same platform. Palm-sized robots automatically store and retrieve thousands of individual items inside a standalone cube, while AI software manages the inventory to optimize storage density and reduce order cycle time. 

THE FULL STACK

A full reverse logistics stack, not a bolt-on

Barrett is pairing UNIT AI's automation with its existing partnerships with TwoBoxes and Loop Returns, giving apparel, footwear, and consumer product brands purpose-built returns technology layered on top of Barrett's fulfillment network.

Barrett

Omnichannel fulfillment network

UNIT AI

Automated storage & retrieval robotics

TwoBoxes

Returns & reverse logistics technology

Loop Returns

Returns management platform

Powered by a connected returns ecosystem

For brands evaluating a 3PL, Barrett offers a complete fulfillment and returns operation: robotics from UNIT AI, returns technology from TwoBoxes and Loop Returns, and the omnichannel expertise to run it all, giving apparel, footwear, and consumer product brands purpose-built returns technology on top of Barrett's established fulfillment network.

Mike McAlister
“For over a decade, Barrett has been more than a partner — they’ve been an extension of our company. They helped facilitate our West Coast expansion, improved turn times and provided the communication and support needed to grow together.”

Mike McAlister, VP of Operations at Fruit of the Loom

Jim Bourne, Sr. Director @ Ken's Foods
“The Barrett team is flexible, responsive and always ready to support our changing logistics needs. Their ability to adapt to last-minute changes and provide consistent support has made them a trusted partner as we continue to grow.”

Jim Bourne, Sr. Director @ Ken's Foods

Rob Fletcher, Co-Founder  @ nuuds.com
"As a young, growing DTC eCommerce brand, Barrett can help us grow in any direction we want. Everything we'd heard about Barrett was evident during our site visits. Their operational team and leadership exhibited unparalleled agility and understanding of our unique needs as a brand. The fact that Barrett pursued us with such vigor made us feel genuinely valued."

Rob Fletcher, Co-Founder @ nuuds.com

“For 5+ years, Barrett Distribution has been a trusted partner for johnnie-O. As we’ve scaled our DTC business and entered new marketplaces, Barrett’s ‘get stuff done’ mentality and commitment to finding solutions have helped us grow with confidence.”

Dave Gatto, CEO @ Johnnie-o.com

Steven Schweighofer, VP Operations @ Stadium Goods
"When I was looking for a new 3pl, I needed a partner that had a proven track record of shipping fast and managing inventory accurately. Barrett's emphasis on continuous improvement and deploying advanced technologies really stood out amongst the competition. They have been an amazing partner."

Steven Schweighofer, VP Operations @ Stadium Goods

Daniel Lydon
“Barrett stood out through our search for a 3PL partner with advanced technology, operational expertise and a strong employee-driven culture. Their experienced team made onboarding seamless and reinforced that we chose the right partner for our business.”

Daniel Lydon, Sr. Director of Supply Chain at 3EO Health

Margaret
“We chose Barrett because their family-owned heritage aligns with our values, their high-touch service approach and their commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience.”

Margaret Moraskie, CEO @ Levenger.com

“The people we work with at Barrett really care about the success of Vibram. Their partnership and support have been critical to our rapid growth.”

Mike Gionfriddo | CEO Vibram, USA

Sue Fuller, CEO of The Oliver Thomas
“Barrett became more than a service provider — they became a true partner. From supporting new product lines to managing complex packaging needs, their team acts as an extension of ours, combining the capabilities of a large provider with the personal support of a trusted partner.”

Sue Fuller, CEO of The Oliver Thomas

Industries We Serve

Sign up for Barrett's Blueprint

A newsletter with insights on enhancing efficiency, resilience and cost savings in your supply chain.

Contact Us