Who Does Faherty Brand Use for Warehousing & Fulfillment?

Faherty Brand uses Ryder as their primary third-party logistics (3PL) and fulfillment partner.

Introduction to Faherty Brand

Founded in 2013 by twin brothers Alex and Mike, Faherty Brand has established itself as a premium apparel brand committed to comfort, quality, and sustainability. What began as a focused line of board shorts has evolved into comprehensive men's and women's fashion collections that embody a relaxed, coastal-inspired aesthetic.

In just over a decade, Faherty has experienced remarkable growth, expanding to over 53 standalone stores and 250 stockists worldwide, while simultaneously developing a robust e-commerce presence. Their commitment to sustainable materials and timeless design has positioned them as a respected name in the premium casual apparel market.

Why Faherty Needed to Optimize Fulfillment

As Faherty Brand experienced rapid growth, they encountered several challenges with their fulfillment operations:

• Managing three distinct distribution channels (e-commerce, retail, and wholesale) with different requirements under one roof
• Delivering personalized, white-glove fulfillment services that maintained their premium brand standards
• Finding a 3PL partner who would prioritize their account and understand their business model
• Creating a flexible fulfillment operation capable of adapting quickly to changing consumer preferences and market conditions
• Overcoming operational challenges with their previous warehouse setup

The fashion-driven nature of their business demanded a nimble fulfillment partner who could accommodate shifting priorities and seasonal demands without compromising service quality.

Partnership Details and Results

The partnership between Faherty Brand and Ryder has delivered impressive results, enabling the apparel brand to achieve sustainable growth even through challenging market conditions like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key metrics and improvements include:

• Warehouse expansion: Grew from 27,000 to 130,000 square feet, accommodating their rapid growth
• Multichannel efficiency: Successfully integrated all three distribution channels (e-commerce, retail, wholesale) under one roof
• Increased order rates: According to Forrester Research cited in their case study, retailers with three or more channels can increase order rates by more than 490%
• Enhanced operational flexibility: Created a fulfillment system capable of adapting to changing market demands and consumer preferences
• Smooth transition: Successfully onboarded all three channels simultaneously with a clean cut-off date

The Ryder 3PL Solution

Rather than forcing Faherty to adapt to standardized processes, Ryder implemented a customized fulfillment solution designed specifically for the brand's unique needs:

1. Multichannel integration: Providing unified fulfillment services for e-commerce, retail, and wholesale channels from a single facility
2. Dedicated Customer Success division: Working with Faherty to create growth plans and understand their evolving needs
3. Customized processes: Adapting fulfillment operations to accommodate Faherty's requirements rather than forcing them to conform to standardized procedures
4. White glove services: Delivering the personalized customer experience that aligns with Faherty's premium brand positioning
5. Continuous improvement: Implementing ongoing enhancements including storage configurations, RFID technology, and more efficient warehouse space utilization

Mark Engebretson, Global Operations Lead at Faherty, noted: "A lot of 3PLs want to set the rules and have their customers fit in with their processes, rather than the other way around. But as a fashion brand, Faherty needed a fulfillment operation with the ability to move quickly and change priorities as circumstances demand it. From the beginning, Ryder E-commerce really wanted to understand our business model and what we needed to meet our goals."

Lessons for Other eCommerce Brands

The Faherty-Ryder partnership offers several valuable takeaways for other eCommerce brands considering 3PL partnerships:

1. Look for adaptability: Choose a 3PL partner willing to customize their processes to fit your business model rather than forcing your operation into their standard procedures.
2. Prioritize communication: Regular communication (in Faherty's case, weekly) and facility visits are crucial for maintaining alignment and addressing issues promptly.
3. Unified multichannel fulfillment: Managing multiple distribution channels under one roof can significantly improve efficiency and create a more cohesive customer experience.
4. Plan for growth: Select a 3PL with the capacity and willingness to scale alongside your business, as evidenced by Faherty's expansion from 27,000 to 130,000 square feet.

Is Ryder Right for Your Business?

When considering whether Ryder might be the right 3PL partner for your business, evaluate these factors:

• Multichannel needs: Ryder excels at managing multiple distribution channels simultaneously, making them ideal for brands with diversified sales strategies.
• Growth trajectory: If your brand anticipates significant growth, Ryder has demonstrated the ability to scale operations substantially.
• Customization requirements: Brands requiring tailored fulfillment processes will benefit from Ryder's willingness to adapt their operations.
• Premium positioning: For brands with a premium market position, Ryder's white glove fulfillment capabilities can help maintain brand standards.
• Industry focus: Apparel brands like Faherty can benefit from Ryder's experience in the fashion and apparel sector.

To determine if Ryder aligns with your specific needs, consider using a 3PL matchmaking service that can evaluate your requirements against their capabilities.

Final Thoughts

Faherty Brand's partnership with Ryder demonstrates how the right 3PL relationship can be transformative for a growing apparel brand. By securing a partner willing to understand their business model and adapt to their specific needs, Faherty has created a fulfillment operation capable of supporting their continued expansion across multiple channels.

The key to their success has been finding a logistics partner who treats them as a priority and adapts to their business model, rather than the other way around. For growing eCommerce brands, especially in the apparel sector, this case study highlights the importance of selecting a 3PL partner based on flexibility, communication, and shared commitment to growth.

If your brand is experiencing similar challenges or looking to optimize your multichannel fulfillment strategy, consider exploring whether Ryder or a similar 3PL provider might be the right fit through a specialized matchmaking service.