Micro Fashion men’s fashion is brought to consumers via various retail channels. The business outsources a large element of logistics to Modexpress. ‘Thanks to Modexpress’ late order picking times, our clients can currently order until the end of the afternoon.’
Family-run business Micro Fashion was established in 1934 and supplies shirts and men’s fashion accessories to fashion retailers and fashion chains in Europe. The company first outsourced an element of logistics to Modexpress about five years ago. This was because of a shortage of space, explains Henk Jan Lammers, Logistics and Compliance Manager. ‘Originally, we supplied neck ties. As we added shirts and other products in our range, we required more storage space. We therefore went in search of a logistics partner.’
Full service delivery
The partnership with Modexpress started with a single collection. After a “trial” of two seasons, more collections were added. Gradually, additional logistics tasks were outsourced and since April 2014, Modexpress has been managing all stock control, pick & pack, and various Value Added Services as required, including reconditioning and quality control for Microfashion. Modexpress also looks after the customs formalities.
Control of costs
Lammers: ‘We have agreed logistics KPIs with each other. Using the planning information we supply, Modexpress ensures all orders are delivered within agreed deadlines. We ensure we have realistic expectations of each other by communicating effectively and working as partners. We are always looking for ways to keep logistics costs as low as possible. For example, Modexpress has its own printers in the Helmond warehouse for printing price labels for our products. Therefore, we do not need to supply these ourselves. Another example is the way daily order flows are managed via EDI messages.’
Oversight of returns
Only the processing of returns still remains under the control of Micro Fashion for the time being. Lammers: ‘We want oversight of returns so that we know what is wrong with them. We have set up a separate area for returned items in our own warehouse in Capelle aan den IJssel.’
