How to improve our fulfillment?

We just surveyed several CEOs from apparel and clothing brands. Their feedback revealed the top 10 questions they are asking about e-commerce fulfillment and logistics, from scaling operations and managing returns to optimizing last-mile delivery and embracing sustainability.

Radial scales efficiently during volume fluctuations by implementing early workforce planning with flexible FTE increases of up to 50% per shift. Our facilities feature scalable infrastructure like pick-towers that accommodate SKU growth while maintaining optimal fulfillment. We leverage strategic automation such as AMRs in Groningen that increased picking performance by 400%. Our team’s flexibility and expertise in peak management ensures quality service even during promotional surges.

To reduce shipping costs while maintaining fast delivery, Radial leverages volume-based carrier discounts by aggregating shipments across multiple clients. We offer strategic facility placement with late cut-off times (up to 19:00 in Leipzig) for next-day delivery across key markets. Our multi-carrier approach lets us switch between providers for the best rates on each shipment. We optimize transportation through consolidated loads and shared delivery routes, creating denser, more cost-efficient last-mile service.

We manage high fashion return rates with dedicated processing stations like the 32 return tables in our Groningen facility. Our teams quickly inspect, refurbish, and restock items – typically returning sellable merchandise to inventory within 24-48 hours. For clients in fashion and sportswear, we use automated tracking and QA systems that maintain 99.9% accuracy even with substantial returns volume. Our warehouse layouts include specific zones for returns processing, with specialized staff trained to handle delicate fashion items and maintain brand presentation standards.

Radial provides complete real-time visibility of your inventory and orders across all channels through our Customer Portal. You can track inventory levels, order status updates, and shipping information through our web-based platform.

Our Manhattan WMS integrates seamlessly with your systems via our RUC Integration layer, providing continuous updates on stock adjustments and inventory snapshots. For omnichannel operations, our platform unifies data across D2C, B2B, and retail touchpoints, giving you a single source of truth for all inventory and orders, regardless of channel origin or fulfillment location.

Radial streamlines technology integration between your e-commerce platform and our fulfillment systems through our RUC Integration layer. This middleware connects your merchant system to our Warehouse Management System (Manhattan WMS), enabling seamless data flow for inventory, orders, and returns. We use standardized APIs with pre-built connectors for major platforms, significantly reducing implementation time. Our IT setup includes comprehensive testing environments where we validate all connections before going live, ensuring smooth operations from day one. The integration provides real-time visibility into inventory levels, order status, and fulfillment metrics through our web-based Customer Portal.

At Radial, we obviously believe the 3PL partnership model offers significant advantages for fashion, beauty, and direct selling brands at various growth stages. Our multi-client approach provides immediate access to enterprise-level fulfillment capabilities without the capital investment of self-fulfillment. We offer flexible scaling to handle seasonal peaks (increasing throughput by 50% through additional shifts), specialized expertise for fashion and beauty products, and technology integration through our Manhattan WMS and Customer Portal.

Our European network of strategically located facilities provides rapid next-day delivery across major markets. Unlike self-fulfillment, our variable cost structure eliminates fixed warehouse expenses during slower periods while providing instant scalability during growth phases.

Radial optimizes last-mile delivery by leveraging 70+ carrier relationships with 350+ service options to select the ideal provider for each shipment’s speed and cost needs. Our strategic facility locations (like Leipzig, Milan and Warsaw) support late cut-off times—up to 19:00—while still enabling next-day delivery across major European markets.

We consolidate shipments across multiple clients to create denser, more efficient delivery routes and negotiate better rates through our collective volume. Our multi-channel approach includes home delivery, pickup points, and store fulfillment options, all tracked through a unified Customer Portal.

Radial ensures sustainable fulfillment through our BREEAM-certified facilities and energy-efficient LED lighting systems across locations. We offer eco-friendly packaging options and optimize shipping routes to minimize transport emissions, with a commitment to reduce energy consumption by 15% and transport emissions by 20%. F

or sustainability-focused brands, we provide local carrier partnerships, environmental impact reporting, and GoGreen shipping alternatives. Some facilities have solar panels, while our network design minimizes transportation distances between fulfillment centers and end customers.

To measure fulfillment performance and customer satisfaction effectively, Radial recommends tracking these essential KPIs across five key areas:

Our Customer Portal provides real-time monitoring of these KPIs through customizable dashboards, allowing you to identify trends and address issues before they impact customer satisfaction.

Radial manages international shipping complexities by leveraging our comprehensive cross-border expertise. We handle customs documentation, including origin certificates (COO, EUR1, EUR-Med) through our dedicated teams, while providing fiscal representation and IOR/EOR support for seamless importing.

Our warehouse in Milan offers direct line-haul routes to Switzerland, while our Halle, Groningen and Warsaw centers provide next-day service to multiple European countries.

For complex returns, we implement country-specific processes with localized return labels and automated duty reclamation. Our integrated TMS (Transportation Management System) combines local carriers with global experts, ensuring competitive rates while managing complicated paperwork.

Our parent company bpostgroup‘s global presence further strengthens our international logistics capabilities across Europe and beyond.