According to the UN, the fashion industry is responsible for a staggering 8-10% of the world’s carbon emissions. It’s imperative, therefore, that businesses in this sector switch to using more sustainable resources, not only in terms of fabrics, but right across their supply chains.
In this post we’ll look at how clothing warehouses can reduce their carbon footprint quickly – and reap the rewards of better clothing warehouse organisation – using modular storage solutions.
The modern clothing warehouse challenge
Clothing warehouses face a number of challenges. They need to ensure that space is utilised as efficiently as possible, and respond to rapidly changing inventory demands.
Modular racking systems offer a promising solution: They can provide the customised storage configurations needed to make optimal use of space in the warehouse – with the added ability to accommodate, and provide easy access to, a diverse range of clothing items.
Modular systems like PALLITE® PIX® enhance clothing warehouse organisation, with adjustable shelving and sorting options that help to streamline inventory management. PALLITE® PIX® storage units and PIX® SLOTS are inherently flexible and scalable, allowing warehouse managers to quickly expand or reconfigure layouts whenever required. This flexibility works to improve workflow efficiencies, and reduce operational costs.
The nature of clothing warehouse organisation
Clothing warehouses are characterised by the diverse array of items they need to store, from apparel, to accessories and footwear, each of which have their own, diverse, storage requirements.
In the apparel industry inventory is constantly changing, too, with the seasonal nature of fashion adding an extra layer of complexity. Warehouses need to manage surges in demand, and shifts in inventory styles, throughout the year. This demand requires adaptable storage solutions that can be quickly reconfigured, to enable clothing warehouses to manage their inventory efficiency and fulfil items on time.
Pain points of traditional clothing warehouses
Traditional clothing warehouses often suffer from inefficient use of space, with static shelving and fixed layouts leading to underused storage capacity. A lack of proper organisation in a warehouse also makes it difficult to access items easily, which slows down order fulfillment, and increases labour costs.
Inventory management is another area which can be problematic, where products are not visible enough, leading to overstocking or stockouts. The high return rates experienced by clothing retailers exacerbates problems in the warehouse further, leading to restocking and quality control issues.
By implementing modern, flexible warehouse storage solutions, introducing automation, and making use of data-driven analytics, warehouse managers can alleviate many of their pain points – and make operations more efficient and cost-effective.
Why modular racking is perfect for clothing
Modular racking systems are ideal for addressing the dynamic needs of clothing warehouses. Their adaptability means they can deal with a diverse range of clothing items, from delicate accessories to bulky winter coats. The fact they can be easily reconfigured facilitates seamless adjustments during seasons, and optimises use of space as fashion trends shift.
Modular racking also excels in making the most of vertical space in the warehouse, reducing any need to expand the premises to accommodate rising levels of inventory.
PIX® Systems: A Game-Changer for Clothing Warehouses
The PALLITE® PIX® range of storage solutions includes warehouse racking organisation systems and warehouse pallet organisation systems. These have proved to become a game-changer for clothing warehouses worldwide. PALLITE® PIX® storage bins have a unique strength and durability, making them ideal for storing clothes and accessories of all types.
Another benefit of PIX® units is that they tend to be more resistant to mould and mildew, than many of their traditional counterparts.
PALLITE® PIX® also offers a high number of customisation options so storage units can be configured to your exact needs. Adjustable shelving and dividers mean a wide variety of clothing sizes and styles can be accommodated, whilst maximising space efficiency.
PIX® storage systems are extremely lightweight compared to metal or wooden alternatives, making them easy to handle and configure as inventory changes. They’re also easy to assemble without any specialist equipment, saving on labour costs, with little to no ongoing maintenance issues too.
PALLITE® PIX® warehouse organisation systems can be used for both short and long-term storage, making them adaptable to the seasonal nature of the fashion industry.
Addressing high return rates with modular solutions
Modular warehouse storage solutions like PALLITE® PIX® can play a crucial role in helping to mitigate the challenges posed by high return rates. Their adaptability allows for efficient reconfiguration of storage spaces, to accommodate various types of returned items, reducing the need to find additional storage infrastructure.
Customisable shelving and dividers make it easier to sort, and assess, returned merchandise, streamlining the return and restocking processes.
How to organise clothing inventory – sustainably
PALLITE® PIX® offers a sustainable approach to clothing warehousing which can help businesses become more environmentally responsible. PIX® storage units are made from recycled paper, and are recyclable at the end of their lifetime, all of which adds to the circular economy more and more companies are striving towards. PIX® products are durable and can be used over the longer term, reducing any need for frequent and expensive replacements.
Success stories with modular racking
Successful ecommerce company Trendhim switched to PALLITE® PIX® products to take their warehouse racking organisation to the next level. The company was looking for a warehouse storage system that could improve their flexibility and pick accuracy, so they could grow their business.
Trendhim incorporated a combination of single and twin-sided PIX® storage units and created a greater pick face density that simultaneously enabled pickers to access their small fashion accessories more easily.
Trendhim also wanted a sustainable solution, and PALLITE® PIX®’s 100% recyclable cardboard units fitted the bill perfectly – providing them with a durable and flexible system that helped the company streamline product returns and reduce walk sequences.
With the help of PALLITE® PIX®, Trendhim boosted their product range significantly, with the company now employing over 100 staff.
The future of clothing warehousing
Clothing warehousing is undergoing a fundamental shift, with innovative solutions like PALLITE® PIX® helping to boost efficiencies and sustainability. PALLITE®’s customisable and lightweight pallets, racks and bins offer a durable alternative to traditional storage methods whilst reducing carbon footprints and material waste.
PALLITE® products are modular and adaptable and integrate with smart technology for inventory tracking and retrieval optimisation promises to streamline operational efficiencies even further.
If you’re looking for an innovative solution to clothing warehouse organisation that puts sustainability at its core, we should talk. PALLITE® products can help you reduce your carbon footprint (check out our quick sustainability calculator to see by how much). PALLITE® PIX® storage solutions can also ensure your products are well organised and accessible, reducing pick times and speeding up fulfilment rates.
