Who Does Perry Ellis Use for Warehousing & Fulfillment?

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

Perry Ellis International, a global lifestyle brand, partnered with Ryder to optimize their logistics operations and focus on their core competency of selling apparel. This strategic partnership has allowed Perry Ellis to streamline their supply chain operations while maintaining control of their business.

Introduction to Perry Ellis International

Perry Ellis International is a prominent global lifestyle brand focused primarily on men's apparel and accessories. Founded in 1976, the company has grown to become a recognized name in the fashion industry, offering a wide range of products including men's suits, dress shirts, casual wear, golf sportswear, jeans wear, and fragrances.

With a market position as a mid to high-end fashion retailer, Perry Ellis serves multiple market segments through its diverse product lines. The company experienced significant growth over the years, with reported net sales of $840.28 million in 2018. Their men's sportswear and swim category alone generated $648.8 million in revenue that year, highlighting the brand's strong market presence in the menswear sector.

Why Perry Ellis Needed to Optimize Fulfillment

Before partnering with Ryder, Perry Ellis International faced several operational challenges:

• They were using their own Warehouse Management System (WMS) across all their warehouses on the East and West Coasts, Toronto, and Mexico City for uniformity in reporting
• Managing their own logistics operations proved to be resource-intensive and diverted focus from their core business
• According to Joseph Roisman, Executive Vice President of Perry Ellis International, their previous processes became "too cumbersome"
• They needed to reduce their internal cost base while maintaining operational efficiency
• As a fashion retailer with seasonal inventory and multiple product lines, they required specialized logistics expertise

These challenges led Perry Ellis to recognize that outsourcing their logistics operations to a specialized 3PL provider would allow them to focus on what they do best - designing and selling apparel.

Partnership Details and Results

Several years ago, Perry Ellis made the strategic decision to partner with Ryder and integrate with their Warehouse Management System. This partnership has allowed Perry Ellis to streamline their operations and focus on their core competencies.

In the words of Joseph Roisman, Executive Vice President of Perry Ellis International: "My core competency is selling clothes, their core competency is managing production in the warehouse." This philosophy has guided their successful partnership with Ryder.

The partnership allows Perry Ellis to maintain control of their business while leveraging Ryder's logistics expertise. Perry Ellis continues to send flat files of incoming product to Ryder, who then processes orders, prints labels, creates bills of lading, and ships the product. Perry Ellis still monitors the process daily to maintain control and ensure quality standards are met.

The Ryder 3PL Solution

Ryder has implemented a comprehensive 3PL solution for Perry Ellis that includes:

• Warehousing and Distribution: Providing dedicated warehouse space for Perry Ellis products within their 2,315,000 square foot facility in Los Angeles
• Integrated Warehouse Management System (WMS): Allowing for streamlined inventory management and order processing
• Order Fulfillment: Managing the entire fulfillment process with a commitment to 100% order accuracy
• Transportation Management: Coordinating shipping through multiple carriers including FedEx, DHL, UPS, and USPS
• Value-Added Services: Providing additional services such as kitting, pick and pack, and custom packaging
• Omnichannel Fulfillment: Supporting retail, wholesale, and e-commerce distribution channels
• Supply Chain Visibility: Offering real-time visibility across the entire supply chain

Ryder's technology-powered e-commerce services feature shopping cart integration capabilities, warehouse management system capabilities, and order management system capabilities with customer-specific packing rules and intelligent parcel carrier selection.

Lessons for Other eCommerce Brands

The Perry Ellis-Ryder partnership offers several valuable lessons for other eCommerce brands:

1. Focus on Core Competencies: As Perry Ellis recognized, outsourcing logistics allows brands to focus on what they do best - product development, marketing, and sales - while leaving supply chain management to specialists.
2. Technology Integration is Key: The successful integration between Perry Ellis' systems and Ryder's WMS demonstrates the importance of seamless technology connections in modern supply chain management.
3. Maintain Control While Outsourcing: Perry Ellis shows that brands can successfully outsource logistics operations while still maintaining daily oversight and control of their supply chain.
4. Consider the Total Cost of Ownership: Rather than just evaluating the direct costs of logistics operations, brands should consider the total cost of ownership, including management time, technology investments, and opportunity costs.

Is Ryder Right for Your Business?

When evaluating whether Ryder or another 3PL provider is right for your business, consider these factors:

• Business Scale: Ryder is well-equipped to handle businesses with significant volume, making them suitable for established brands like Perry Ellis.
• Product Type: Ryder has specific expertise in apparel logistics, with services tailored to the unique needs of clothing retailers.
• Distribution Channels: If your business requires omnichannel distribution (retail, wholesale, and e-commerce), Ryder offers integrated solutions across these channels.
• Technology Requirements: Evaluate whether your business needs the advanced technology integrations that Ryder offers, including WMS, OMS, and shopping cart integrations.
• Geographic Needs: Consider whether Ryder's warehouse locations align with your distribution needs and customer base.
• Growth Plans: Choose a 3PL that can scale with your business and support your future growth plans.

To find the right 3PL partner for your specific needs, consider using a matchmaking service that can connect you with providers that match your unique requirements.

Final Thoughts

The partnership between Perry Ellis International and Ryder demonstrates how a strategic 3PL relationship can allow fashion brands to focus on their core business while optimizing their supply chain operations. By recognizing that their expertise lies in designing and selling apparel rather than warehouse management, Perry Ellis made a strategic decision that has supported their business operations.

For growing eCommerce brands, the lesson is clear: partnering with the right 3PL provider can be a game-changer in terms of operational efficiency and business focus. By carefully evaluating your needs and choosing a partner with the right capabilities, you can create a logistics solution that supports your brand's growth and customer experience goals.

If you're considering a 3PL partnership for your eCommerce business, take the time to thoroughly assess potential providers' capabilities, technology offerings, and cultural fit with your organization. The right partner, like Ryder has been for Perry Ellis, can become a valuable extension of your business operations.