Retailers of all sizes have warehouse distribution partners
What types of retailers use warehouse distribution?
Warehouse distribution centers are used to store, manage, and handle inventory until it is needed at its next or final destination. Most retailers use distribution centers because they serve many purposes across retailers’ supply chains. Distribution centers are critical to getting retailers’ goods where they are needed.
The following retail industries, and more, use distribution centers to improve their logistics network.
Electronics, technologies, and medical devices
Paper products and corrugated packaging
Food & beverage
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E)
Fashion goods & textiles
Department store goods
What happens at a distribution center?
Warehouse distribution centers receive and store goods, fulfill orders, and perform a variety of Value Added services. Goods are shipped to the distribution center in large quantities and stored until orders are placed. Then the goods are picked, packed, and shipped for B2B or B2C order fulfillment. The distribution center may perform Value Added services such as labelling, repackaging, or bundling during product handling. While there are some standard distribution services, most distribution centers accommodate customized needs for unique clients.
Receive and Store Retail Goods
Distribution centers complete an itemized receipt of all goods upon delivery — noting any Overages, Shortages, or Damages (OS&D). After receiving, the goods are stored at the facility until needed to fulfill orders.
Pick, Pack, and Ship Order Fulfillment
Order fulfillment is a core function of the distribution center, where goods are picked, packed, and shipped for clients on demand. Distribution centers fulfill B2B and B2C orders for retailers, and can accommodate any special recipient requirements.
Customized Value Added Services
Distribution centers know what clients need. They offer a wide range of Value Added services to meet the unique needs of each client. Labeling, repackaging, kitting, quality control, retail consolidation, and light assembly are just a few of the standard services offered. Just ask about any special services you may need.
What are the advantages of using distribution centers?
Reduce some costs
Since distribution centers (DCs) specialize in warehousing and order fulfillment, costs are reduced by outsourcing work to these experts. Third party distribution centers keeps costs low by helping minimizing inventory levels and reducing final mile delivery costs.
Create a scalable supply chain
Scalable supply chains are required for any growing retailer. It is often most effective to let a third-party distribution center focus on keeping up with your growing or seasonal operations. They handle all the staffing, space, and operations challenges without any burden to you!
Enable flexible operations
Third-party distribution centers give you the flexibility to supply more regions, stores, or customers with your goods. Additionally, a good DC offers flexible customized services when you need them for an affordable rate. Customized services may include special packaging, labelling, or assembly.
How does a distribution warehouse work?
A distribution warehouse receives shipments, stores goods, and fulfills orders. Goods are delivered to the warehouse where they are reviewed in detail to confirm the correctness and condition of the shipment. Once received, the goods are placed for storage until they are needed to fulfill orders. Eventually a B2B or B2C order is placed, and the goods are picked, packed, and shipped. At times the distribution warehouse may perform Value Added services to the goods before shipping.
Retailers and manufacturers often work with strategically located distribution warehouses to minimize the amount of inventory they must carry in a region to meet demand. Distribution warehouses receive goods in large quantities, and then ship them to destinations in smaller quantities. Inventory at a distibution center may be immediately cross docked, stored for a short term, or stored until an order is eventually placed for it.
How can retailers get started
- Contact our team
- Quick call (with a WE owner-operator) to confirm details and client need
- WE send you Rates, and provide a few sample invoice scenarios based on the details gathered during the call
- You award Warehousing Etc the job
- Prepare your shipment(s) for delivery to our Tampa distribution warehouse
- You sell, we distribute