Retail and Fashion Logistics
Retail. Your Way.
Delivering Excellence to the Retail and Fashion Industry
The online retail and fashion sector has undergone significant changes in recent years, driven by technological advancements and consumer behavior shifts. The rise of mobile shopping and social media e-commerce, together with the increasing demand for sustainability and transparency, is driving the reinvention of accepted business models.
DHL is a long-established partner of the retail and fashion industry. We have an in-depth understanding of its challenges and opportunities and how we can help companies manage them. We don’t just prioritize logistics excellence. We go further, implementing eco-friendly practices throughout the supply chain and supporting circular fashion ecosystems that maximize reuse and minimize waste.
We help our customers create and maintain efficient and adaptable e-commerce systems to stimulate new and repeat business by providing their end-users with advanced technology solutions and fully integrated delivery and returns services that give them a great experience of the brand.
$1.4 trillion
U.S dollars sector value by 2024.
92%
of shoppers are more likely to buy from retailers that offer easy returns.
70%
of online customers will not stay with a retailer after a bad delivery experience.
60%
faster growth for retailers offering premium shipping.
Core Subsectors
Through our unique global reach and agile solutions, we bring retailers and consumers together to enhance brands and delight customers.
Discover Our Upcoming Fashion and Retail Logistics Events
Dive into the trends and developments that will affect the Retail and Fashion Logistics sector in the future. We are excited to welcome you.
Placing the needs of the Fashion and Retail Sector in the Spotlight
Retail
E-commerce is fast becoming the cornerstone of the retail sector, with the percentage of e-commerce expected to rise to 25% of retail sales globally by 2026. Retailers who have taken an omnichannel approach and are delivering a seamless customer experience between their in-store and online offerings are gaining competitive advantage.
Both on and offline, consumers are demanding personalized shopping experiences and expect the products to be available when they want them, without a high price tag. They want to purchase ethically sourced goods from companies with a commitment to sustainability.
Whether you are a bricks-and-mortar, omnichannel, or e-commerce pure play retailer, we get your goods to market fast, sustainably, efficiently and cost-effectively from our strategically located warehouses. We reduce cycle times, help grow sales, meet peak season requirements, product launches and fluctuating customer demand.
We give you full end-to-end visibility and control of your orders and inventory. Depending on volumes, we can provide a dedicated solution or one that’s shared with other customers. Our intelligent returns service drives profit and reduces risk.
Our Expertise
Fashion
DHL is the foremost global logistics partner for the fashion sector. For decades, we've tailored solutions to address the demands of designers, fashion retailers, and some of the world's most famous fashion events - and we've made it our mission to keep the industry moving and ensure that customers and consumers are satisfied. Our capabilities focus on delivering the end-to-end supply chain, including inbound logistics, warehouse management and final delivery and returns – all supplied sustainably.
Our Expertise
Luxury
At DHL, we are a trusted partner of some of the largest brands in the luxury goods market. We understand that excellence, reliability and speed delivered in a sustainable way are essential to maintaining your competitive edge and upholding the high standards your customers enjoy and expect. For decades, we have pioneered solutions to meet the needs of the luxury goods sector and will continue to do so. We remain committed to delivering exceptional quality logistics and innovation to our premier luxury brand customers.
Our Expertise
Online Marketplaces
E-commerce platforms, whether big or small, require integrated logistics technology to boost sales and fulfill their commitments. DHL offers a suite of flexible tools for every type of online marketplace. Through our API-integrated tools and support, retail and fashion merchants can use our technology to forecast better, match supply and demand, as well as create a tailored suite of the best possible solutions. At DHL, we understand online marketplaces and facilitate e-commerce success by providing cost-effective, agile and reliable order fulfillment.
Our Expertise
Retail
E-commerce is fast becoming the cornerstone of the retail sector, with the percentage of e-commerce expected to rise to 25% of retail sales globally by 2026. Retailers who have taken an omnichannel approach and are delivering a seamless customer experience between their in-store and online offerings are gaining competitive advantage.
Both on and offline, consumers are demanding personalized shopping experiences and expect the products to be available when they want them, without a high price tag. They want to purchase ethically sourced goods from companies with a commitment to sustainability.
Whether you are a bricks-and-mortar, omnichannel, or e-commerce pure play retailer, we get your goods to market fast, sustainably, efficiently and cost-effectively from our strategically located warehouses. We reduce cycle times, help grow sales, meet peak season requirements, product launches and fluctuating customer demand.
We give you full end-to-end visibility and control of your orders and inventory. Depending on volumes, we can provide a dedicated solution or one that’s shared with other customers. Our intelligent returns service drives profit and reduces risk.
Our Expertise
Fashion
DHL is the foremost global logistics partner for the fashion sector. For decades, we've tailored solutions to address the demands of designers, fashion retailers, and some of the world's most famous fashion events - and we've made it our mission to keep the industry moving and ensure that customers and consumers are satisfied. Our capabilities focus on delivering the end-to-end supply chain, including inbound logistics, warehouse management and final delivery and returns – all supplied sustainably.
Our Expertise
Luxury
At DHL, we are a trusted partner of some of the largest brands in the luxury goods market. We understand that excellence, reliability and speed delivered in a sustainable way are essential to maintaining your competitive edge and upholding the high standards your customers enjoy and expect. For decades, we have pioneered solutions to meet the needs of the luxury goods sector and will continue to do so. We remain committed to delivering exceptional quality logistics and innovation to our premier luxury brand customers.
Our Expertise
Online Marketplaces
E-commerce platforms, whether big or small, require integrated logistics technology to boost sales and fulfill their commitments. DHL offers a suite of flexible tools for every type of online marketplace. Through our API-integrated tools and support, retail and fashion merchants can use our technology to forecast better, match supply and demand, as well as create a tailored suite of the best possible solutions. At DHL, we understand online marketplaces and facilitate e-commerce success by providing cost-effective, agile and reliable order fulfillment.
Our Expertise
Retail and Fashion Logistics Case Studies
Review a range of in-depth case studies and discover practical examples of how we helped our customers to stay at the cutting edge of retail and fashion logistics.
Delivering on Circularity
Circularity focuses on the 5 Rs of Reducing, Repairing, Reselling, Refurbishing and Recycling. Embracing this model will be key to make global production more sustainable.
Additional Topics
At DHL, we share the same goals as our customers and work together to research and develop cutting-edge solutions.
Sustainability
More than ever, consumers are prioritizing sustainability in their purchasing decisions. DHL provides expertise to help make the fashion and logistics sectors even more sustainable through our online tools and by implementing responsible sourcing, green packaging, optimized shipping, using renewable energy sources and reducing CO2 emissions. We support our customers by analyzing and streamlining their supply chains, managing distribution centers, supporting nearshoring, and reframing reverse logistics to facilitate emerging circular business models.
Re-commerce
Re-commerce is a rapidly expanding opportunity for both the fashion and logistics industries, facilitating the transition to a more circular economy. This can be a challenge for retailers and fashion providers. Increased re-commerce demand will involve not only additional transportation capacity and new shipping practices but also require extra warehouse processes, including grading, repairs, refurbishing and an in-depth review of routing, transit times and large volume returns. Thanks to our global reach, network capacity and agile flexibility, we are well-placed to deliver these services.
Returns Logistics
Fashion has one of the highest return rates. DHL has efficient solutions to improve the process and optimize shipping and logistics costs while ensuring that the returns experience is a key contributor to consumer satisfaction and ‘lifetime value’. At DHL, we have systems to manage the returns process, especially for premium-value goods. Specifically, we focus on fast collections, multiple domestic pickup locations, returns warehousing and stock replacement, as well as ensuring a hassle-free process supported by over 200 carriers and 320,000 returns drop-off points.
Supply Chain Restructuring
Advanced logistics solutions from DHL include streamlining retail and fashion operations to minimise shipping and warehousing costs, multisourcing, relocating manufacturing closer to consumers, proximity-based distribution hubs and more efficient systems for managing inventory and production cycles. We are prepared for an increase in shorter journeys, more extensive brand integration, digitalization, advanced analytics, supply chain elasticity and seasonal capacity requirements. Our supply chain restructuring ensures agility and reliability, and sustainability.
Positive Fashion
Sustainable clothing is here to stay. DHL is working on initiatives to support the fashion industry in becoming more environmentally friendly and responsible. We promote using sustainable practices, materials and delivery methods, reducing waste, conserving water and cutting down carbon emissions. We also encourage re-use and re-commerce for a circular economy. DHL is committed to the growing retail and fashion trend to encourage ‘Buy Online, Pick Up In Store’ (BOPIS) and the associated cross-selling opportunities it brings.
Last-Mile Specialists
At DHL, we offer a robust and cost-effective last-mile delivery solution, enhancing business productivity and meeting customer expectations while addressing sustainability and reducing CO2 emissions. Whether a simple parcel delivery or an experience-driven service, we understand what it takes to create a positive experience and enhance your brand. Utilizing our last-mile delivery services has additional advantages, such as streamlined shipping and faster delivery, real-time last-mile delivery tracking, and, most importantly, an improved customer experience.
Sustainability
More than ever, consumers are prioritizing sustainability in their purchasing decisions. DHL provides expertise to help make the fashion and logistics sectors even more sustainable through our online tools and by implementing responsible sourcing, green packaging, optimized shipping, using renewable energy sources and reducing CO2 emissions. We support our customers by analyzing and streamlining their supply chains, managing distribution centers, supporting nearshoring, and reframing reverse logistics to facilitate emerging circular business models.
Re-commerce
Re-commerce is a rapidly expanding opportunity for both the fashion and logistics industries, facilitating the transition to a more circular economy. This can be a challenge for retailers and fashion providers. Increased re-commerce demand will involve not only additional transportation capacity and new shipping practices but also require extra warehouse processes, including grading, repairs, refurbishing and an in-depth review of routing, transit times and large volume returns. Thanks to our global reach, network capacity and agile flexibility, we are well-placed to deliver these services.
Returns Logistics
Fashion has one of the highest return rates. DHL has efficient solutions to improve the process and optimize shipping and logistics costs while ensuring that the returns experience is a key contributor to consumer satisfaction and ‘lifetime value’. At DHL, we have systems to manage the returns process, especially for premium-value goods. Specifically, we focus on fast collections, multiple domestic pickup locations, returns warehousing and stock replacement, as well as ensuring a hassle-free process supported by over 200 carriers and 320,000 returns drop-off points.
Supply Chain Restructuring
Advanced logistics solutions from DHL include streamlining retail and fashion operations to minimise shipping and warehousing costs, multisourcing, relocating manufacturing closer to consumers, proximity-based distribution hubs and more efficient systems for managing inventory and production cycles. We are prepared for an increase in shorter journeys, more extensive brand integration, digitalization, advanced analytics, supply chain elasticity and seasonal capacity requirements. Our supply chain restructuring ensures agility and reliability, and sustainability.
Positive Fashion
Sustainable clothing is here to stay. DHL is working on initiatives to support the fashion industry in becoming more environmentally friendly and responsible. We promote using sustainable practices, materials and delivery methods, reducing waste, conserving water and cutting down carbon emissions. We also encourage re-use and re-commerce for a circular economy. DHL is committed to the growing retail and fashion trend to encourage ‘Buy Online, Pick Up In Store’ (BOPIS) and the associated cross-selling opportunities it brings.
Last-Mile Specialists
At DHL, we offer a robust and cost-effective last-mile delivery solution, enhancing business productivity and meeting customer expectations while addressing sustainability and reducing CO2 emissions. Whether a simple parcel delivery or an experience-driven service, we understand what it takes to create a positive experience and enhance your brand. Utilizing our last-mile delivery services has additional advantages, such as streamlined shipping and faster delivery, real-time last-mile delivery tracking, and, most importantly, an improved customer experience.
Our Commitment to Our Customers
In a world where connecting is paramount, we pair global reach with local knowledge to provide agile solutions for the retail and fashion Industry. Constantly innovating, we work with partners to find pioneering techniques to keep you ahead of your competitors, propelling businesses forward to adapt to the ever-changing market and always delighting your customers. Whether online or in-store. When people shop, we ship.
Discover More Retail and Fashion Insights from DHL
Retail and Fashion business insights and logistics innovations from across the world of DHL. Explore Our Insights.
Our Retail and Fashion Experts
The Retail and Fashion experts in our divisions are:
