Aether Apparel uses Bergen Logistics as their primary third-party logistics (3PL) and fulfillment partner.
Introduction to Aether Apparel
Founded in 2009 by former movie producers Palmer West and Jonah Smith, Aether Apparel has established itself as a premium technical apparel brand with the ethos "For The Restless." The brand specializes in high-performance, technically advanced outerwear and apparel designed for both urban environments and outdoor adventures.
Aether's product lineup includes a comprehensive collection of technical outerwear, insulated jackets, snow gear, motorcycle apparel, layering pieces, and accessories for both men and women. What distinguishes Aether in the crowded apparel market is their commitment to creating performance-oriented clothing that doesn't compromise on style or functionality.
From humble beginnings, Aether has experienced significant growth over their decade-plus in business, expanding to physical retail locations in major cities including Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Aspen, and Park City, alongside their innovative "AETHERstream" mobile retail concept.
Why Aether Needed to Optimize Fulfillment
As Aether Apparel expanded their product range and sales channels, they encountered several challenges common to growing apparel brands:
- Product Complexity: With an extensive catalog spanning various categories, sizes, materials, and styles, Aether faced increasing difficulties managing inventory accuracy across numerous SKUs.
- Omnichannel Integration: Balancing inventory across their eCommerce platform, physical retail locations, and wholesale partners required sophisticated inventory management and allocation systems.
- Seasonal Demand Fluctuations: As a brand offering specialized seasonal collections, Aether needed a fulfillment solution that could scale during peak periods without compromising service quality.
- International Expansion: With shipments coming from international suppliers (notably Hong Kong) and expanding customer base, Aether required expertise in cross-border logistics and customs compliance.
- Returns Management: The apparel industry faces return rates averaging 24.4% for online purchases, creating a significant operational challenge, especially for premium brands like Aether where customer experience is paramount.
The Bergen Logistics Partnership and Results
To address these challenges, Aether Apparel partnered with Bergen Logistics, a 3PL provider with extensive experience in apparel fulfillment. This strategic partnership has yielded several quantifiable benefits:
- Improved International Supply Chain Management: Bergen handles Aether's imports from Hong Kong to the USA, streamlining the process through the port of Long Beach, CA, ensuring compliance with customs regulations and timely processing.
- Enhanced Inventory Accuracy: Through Bergen's cloud-based Warehouse Management System (WMS), Aether gained real-time visibility into inventory status across multiple locations, significantly improving stock accuracy.
- Increased Fulfillment Efficiency: Bergen's automated sorters, robotic packing solutions, and other automated systems have accelerated product distribution without sacrificing quality, allowing Aether to maintain high service levels even during seasonal peaks.
- Seamless Omnichannel Integration: Bergen's expertise in omnichannel fulfillment has enabled Aether to efficiently manage inventory across their eCommerce platform, brick-and-mortar stores, and wholesale channels.
- Dedicated Account Management: With Bergen's emphasis on customer service, Aether benefits from dedicated account managers who understand their unique brand requirements and can quickly respond to changing needs.
The Bergen Logistics Solution
Bergen Logistics implemented a comprehensive fulfillment solution tailored to Aether Apparel's specific needs, including:
- Omnichannel Fulfillment: Bergen's platform provides Aether with a single system to manage orders, inventory, and deliveries across multiple channels and fulfillment centers.
- Specialized Apparel Handling: As experts in "Garment on Hanger" and apparel logistics, Bergen offers specialized handling procedures that maintain the premium quality of Aether's technical clothing.
- Technology Integration: Bergen's WMS integrates seamlessly with Aether's sales platforms, automating order processing and inventory updates.
- Customized Branded Packaging: Bergen supports Aether's premium brand positioning with custom packaging solutions that enhance the unboxing experience.
- Freight Forwarding Services: For Aether's international shipments, Bergen provides comprehensive freight forwarding, facilitating smoother customs clearance and reduced transit times.
- Scalable Infrastructure: With multiple fulfillment centers in strategic locations including New Jersey and California, Bergen offers Aether the flexibility to scale operations as needed.
Lessons for Other eCommerce Brands
The Aether Apparel and Bergen Logistics partnership offers valuable insights for other eCommerce brands considering 3PL partnerships:
- Specialized Expertise Matters: Choosing a 3PL with specific experience in your product category (in this case, apparel) ensures they understand the unique handling requirements and challenges.
- Technology Integration is Critical: Seamless integration between your eCommerce platform and your 3PL's systems eliminates manual processes and reduces errors.
- Consider Growth Trajectory: Select a 3PL that can scale with your business, offering additional services and capacity as your needs evolve.
- Look Beyond Basic Fulfillment: Value-added services like custom packaging, return management, and international logistics capabilities can significantly enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
Is Bergen Logistics Right for Your Business?
While Bergen Logistics has proven an effective partner for Aether Apparel, eCommerce brands should consider several factors when evaluating if this 3PL is suitable for their needs:
- Product Type: Bergen specializes in apparel and fashion fulfillment, making them particularly well-suited for clothing brands.
- Business Size and Volume: With their enterprise-level technology and multiple fulfillment centers, Bergen is designed to support established brands with substantial order volumes.
- Omnichannel Requirements: If your brand sells across multiple channels (DTC eCommerce, marketplaces, wholesale, retail), Bergen's omnichannel capabilities offer significant advantages.
- International Needs: With facilities in multiple countries and extensive experience in cross-border logistics, Bergen is well-positioned to support global brands.
- Technology Requirements: Brands seeking advanced automation and real-time visibility will benefit from Bergen's technology-driven approach.
To determine if Bergen Logistics or another 3PL provider is right for your business, consider using a 3PL matchmaking service that can evaluate your specific requirements against provider capabilities.
Final Thoughts
The partnership between Aether Apparel and Bergen Logistics demonstrates how a strategic 3PL relationship can support a brand's growth trajectory while maintaining the premium customer experience essential to luxury apparel brands.
By leveraging Bergen's specialized apparel expertise, technological capabilities, and scalable infrastructure, Aether has been able to focus on their core strengths—designing innovative technical apparel and building customer relationships—while entrusting the complex logistics operations to experts.
For growing eCommerce brands facing fulfillment challenges, this case study underscores the importance of selecting a 3PL partner whose capabilities align with both current needs and future growth plans. Whether you're an established brand like Aether or a rapidly growing newcomer, the right third-party logistics partnership can be transformative, turning fulfillment from an operational challenge into a competitive advantage.