The Ҵý Blog


The latest news, trends, and insights in supply chain logistics from Ҵý's own team of subject matter experts.

By Katherine Wroth October 24, 2025
FRANKLIN, Mass. — Ҵý ҴýCenters has been selected by Pompa Program , a Utah-based health and wellness company specializing in cellular health analysis and proprietary supplement products, to manage its direct-to-consumer (D2C) fulfillment and transportation operations. The partnership expands Pompa’s fulfillment footprint across the Eastern United States, ensuring faster, more reliable two-day delivery on all orders. Ҵý’s Hickory Hill, Tennessee, facility will serve as the dedicated fulfillment hub, offering food-grade, temperature-controlled space and advanced inventory management systems to support its growth. “We chose Ҵý because they provide the perfect combination of experience and long-term partnership,” said Bryan Oviatt , director of supply chain at Pompa. “Their proven expertise in health, beauty and wellness made them the clear choice. We’re also excited about future NetSuite integration capabilities to further enhance efficiency. We see Ҵý as an extension of our team and look forward to what’s ahead.” From fulfilling cellular health testing kits to distributing premium supplements, Ҵý delivers the operational scalability needed to support its expanding customer base. “We’re thrilled to partner with such a fast-growing and innovative health and wellness brand like Pompa,” said Mark Healy , vice president of customer solutions at Ҵý. “Our goal is to provide a scalable foundation that supports their continued success and ambitious growth plans.” Pompa’s operations recently launched from one of Ҵý’s Memphis distribution centers, a state-of-the-art facility built for high-volume, temperature-sensitive fulfillment. About Ҵý ҴýCenters Since 1941, Ҵý has provided customized third-party logistics (3PL), direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce fulfillment, omnichannel distribution, managed transportation solutions and retail compliance for clients across all industries, with a focus on apparel & footwear, health & beauty, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and education. Ҵý continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, known for superior execution, customer engagement and direct access to senior leadership decision makers. As a member of Inc's fastest growing companies list 15+ times, Ҵý is big enough to do the job and still small enough to deeply care about your business. Brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Ҵý directly here . About Pompa Program The Pompa Program framework integrates nutraceuticals, personalized nutrition, metabolic support and one-on-one coaching to correct dysfunction at its cellular source. Participants work with trained coaches to identify upstream factors such as heavy metal exposure, hormonal imbalances and gut dysbiosis that drive inflammation and cellular damage. Guided by Daniel Pompa, participants gain practical tools and support to detoxify their bodies, restore metabolic balance and improve overall wellness. Official Release Here
By Katherine Wroth October 16, 2025
Franklin, MA — Ҵý ҴýCenters is proud to announce a new partnership with Willo , an oral hygiene company creating innovative dental products for kids. Ҵý will provide warehousing, fulfillment and transportation services to support Willo’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) and Fulfillment by Amazon operations. Willo’s decision came down to culture and size — finding a partner with the operational strength to meet aggressive growth goals while maintaining trust and close collaboration. “Ҵý struck the perfect balance for us. They are big enough to support our aggressive growth plans yet small enough to feel like a true partner,” said Rachel Blender , operations manager at Willo. “After going through multiple 3PL changes in the past, I knew we needed a partner we could trust for the long haul. Ҵý is that partner.” Willo, a company led by oral health experts, recently launched the Willo AutoFlo+, the world’s first fully automated toothbrush designed specifically for kids ages 5 to 13. The device automates brushing from start to finish, dispensing toothpaste and using the uniquely shaped OptiClean brush head to replicate the perfect brushing motion every time. “When Rachel reached out during the RFP process, I knew right away that Willo was the perfect partner for Ҵý,” said Harrison Smith , director of pricing and contract logistics. “Their values, ambition and innovative spirit mirror our own, and that alignment sets the stage for something truly special. We’re excited to collaborate and help bring AutoFlo+ toothbrushes to homes across the country.” Headquartered in New York City, Willo will operate out of Ҵý’s Hickory Hill, Tennessee facility. Beyond product innovation, Willo is committed to advancing children’s oral health education through community partnerships and outreach programs. The company plans to expand its product line and reach more families nationwide in the coming years. About Ҵý ҴýCenters Since 1941, Ҵý has provided customized third-party logistics (3PL), direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce fulfillment, omnichannel distribution, managed transportation solutions and retail compliance for clients across all industries, with a focus on apparel & footwear, health & beauty, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and education. Ҵý continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, known for superior execution, customer engagement and direct access to senior leadership decision makers. As a member of Inc's fastest growing companies list 15+ times, Ҵý is big enough to do the job and still small enough to deeply care about your business. Brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Ҵý directly here . About Willo Founded on a mission to revolutionize children's oral health, Willo combines innovative design, advanced technology, and decades of oral health expertise to create breakthrough dental products for children. Our automatic toothbrush is designed to give kids ages 5-13 a confident smile while parents can breathe a sigh of relief. Developed with dentists and parent-approved, Willo helps kids build strong brushing habits that last a lifetime. Official Release Here
By Katherine Wroth September 23, 2025
Franklin, Mass. — Ҵý ҴýCenters has been chosen by Tumble Living , a Los Angeles–based home goods company known for its washable area rugs, to handle nationwide direct-to-consumer fulfillment from Somerset, New Jersey.  By positioning inventory closer to its core U.S. customer base, Tumble will improve delivery times and reduce total supply chain costs. “After evaluating several competitors, Ҵý stood out as the best fit,” said Julie Tang , vice president of operations at Tumble. “Their team proved they could scale with our growth, impressed us with strong site visits and backed it up with trusted references and solid technology. We’re excited about what this means for our customers and confident this partnership will take the Tumble experience to the next level.” Key factors in the decision included Ҵý’s speed to launch, seamless technology integration and available capacity to support Tumble’s growth. “This new partnership with Tumble highlights exactly what Ҵý does best: mobilizing quickly and being able to scale efficiently with high-growth brands,” said Dan Klenkar , vice president of customer solutions at Ҵý. “We’re excited to launch this exciting brand in our NJ facility and look forward to supporting their aggressive growth.” This new partnership ensures Tumble can scale operations quickly while enhancing service to households nationwide. About Tumble Living Tumble was founded by Justin Soleimani and Zach Dannett. It was born from their desire to bring a fresh, customer-focused perspective to an industry that's traditionally been slow to evolve. As seasoned furniture industry professionals and frustrated homeowners, they recognized the need for thoughtfully designed, beautiful products at attainable prices—products that adapt to their customers' lifestyles, not the other way around. About Ҵý ҴýCenters Since 1941, Ҵý has provided customized third-party logistics (3PL), direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce fulfillment, omnichannel distribution, managed transportation solutions and retail compliance for clients across all industries, with a focus on apparel & footwear, health & beauty, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and education. Ҵý continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, known for superior execution, customer engagement and direct access to senior leadership decision makers. As a member of Inc's fastest growing companies list 15+ times, Ҵý is big enough to do the job and still small enough to deeply care about your business. Brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Ҵý directly here . Official Release Here
By Katherine Wroth September 18, 2025
This week, I was on a call with a brand desperate to leave their 3PL. When asked if they could share data from their current provider, they responded, “I think we have an Excel sheet somewhere, but our 3PL has never really explained what any of it means.” I went straight to Jordan Johnson , the Director of Data & Analytics at Ҵý, to break down the data questions that matter most for brands. From cost control to forecasting, here is what every brand should be asking about data before choosing a 3PL partner. Why is data so important in supply chain operations? Two reasons: cost and service. Costs are climbing across the board, so it is critical to have accurate data to manage and optimize spend. At the same time, visibility is now a baseline expectation. Knowing where products are and when they will reach customers is fundamental, and the right 3PL partner uses data to keep both cost and service in balance. Where is data analytics headed in the 3PL industry? Automation is expanding rapidly. Robotics, computer vision, and similar tools are becoming more affordable and less capital intensive. On the technology side, the next evolution is agentic AI. These tools do not just report on what already happened, they proactively identify anomalies and anticipate issues before they escalate. What makes a data analytics team stand out in 3PL? An exceptional team delivers both internal decision-making power and external insights for clients. At Ҵý, that means: Dashboards and portals clients can access directly Monthly and quarterly reviews that surface actionable insights In-house ownership of analytics for agility and speed Context-driven reporting that translates numbers into strategy This dual focus ensures that brands see their data and understand how to act on it. How do analytics prevent costly inventory mistakes? Frequent review is key. Dashboards highlight both fast movers at risk of stockouts and inventory that has been sitting for extended periods, such as 90 days. Context matters, which is why seasonality and product type are built into the analysis. This ensures brands receive meaningful recommendations that lead to better planning, fewer surprises, and lower carrying costs. Can a 3PL support forecasting and budgeting? Yes! It is often a deciding factor for clients choosing Ҵý. We work in two ways: Converting client sales forecasts into volume and cost projections Using machine learning models for brands without in-house forecasting capabilities Both approaches help brands set realistic budgets and align resources for growth. Can analytics catch issues before they become major problems? Absolutely. Making performance data visible across the organization helps catch issues quickly. On top of that, anomaly detection flags deviations from historical patterns. Together, these practices give clients peace of mind that problems are identified early rather than after the fact. How can analytics directly save money? Two proven examples: Transportation spend : analyzing service levels to ensure brands are not overpaying for speed they may not need Ordering patterns : adjusting how products are ordered, such as shifting from partial cases to full cases, which reduces handling costs What role does Paccurate play in cost savings? Ҵý partners with Paccurate for cartonization, determining the best box for every shipment. This reduces waste, errors, and shipping costs. Paccurate also evaluates packaging history to confirm whether the box mix itself should be adjusted, uncovering additional savings opportunities. How do clients access their analytics? There are two main touchpoints: A web portal with embedded dashboards where clients can pull their own reports and track trends Business reviews, monthly or quarterly, where insights are presented with recommendations for improving cost and service How do you balance fulfillment speed with accuracy? Quality checks are built into the process. Variable audits, error-based sampling, and ship accuracy metrics ensure products reach customers quickly without sacrificing accuracy. What metrics matter most for scaling brands? Two categories: cost and performance. Key metrics include: Average cost per package SLA speed targets, such as 24-hour fulfillment Inbound velocity, which measures how quickly received inventory is available to sell Tracking these ensures that growth does not come at the expense of profitability or customer experience. What technology powers the analytics? Ҵý uses a modern cloud-based stack: Snowflake as the data warehouse dbt for transformations and applied business logic Tableau for visualization, embedded directly in client portals This combination provides both flexibility and scalability as brands grow. How do you track productivity without micromanaging? Transparency and fairness are key. Metrics are measured equitably and tied back to cost savings. Through Ҵý’s profit-sharing programs, employees see a direct link between hitting productivity targets and shared rewards. This drives performance while maintaining high employee satisfaction. Can analytics improve pricing for clients? Yes. The more complete the data, the tighter and more competitive the pricing solution. New clients often see broader estimates, but after a year of working with Ҵý, historical data allows for far more precise pricing models. What is “click to porch” and why does it matter? Click to porch measures the time between when a customer places an order and when it arrives at their door. Brands should aim to minimize this window while managing costs, because it directly impacts customer satisfaction and repeat purchases. How granular can demand forecasting get? With strong data, forecasts can reach the product category or even item level. Apparel, footwear sizes, and seasonal items often have unique demand curves. Ҵý’s analytics help clients plan with this level of detail. How does data strengthen client relationships? By creating a level playing field. When both sides work from the same data set, assumptions disappear. Conversations are based on facts, transparency builds trust, and partnerships grow stronger. Can clients request custom reports? Yes. Ҵý collects extensive data and can provide custom reporting. More importantly, reports are aligned with client goals so they inform decisions rather than simply share numbers. How do analytics improve efficiency inside the warehouse? Two main levers: Accurate forecasts that inform labor planning Equitable productivity tracking that keeps operations efficient while respecting employees The result is faster and more reliable fulfillment for clients. Don't settle for spreadsheets without explanations if you've read this far! Behind every successful brand is a supply chain partner who knows how to use data. Ҵý has been doing that for more than 80+ years. Contact us now for a free consultation with a 3PL expert.
By Katherine Wroth August 20, 2025
FRANKLIN, Mass., Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ҵý ҴýCenters is proud to announce a new partnership with FCTRY LAb , a trend-setting footwear company headquartered in Los Angeles. Ҵý will provide warehousing, fulfillment, and transportation services to support the brand's direct-to-consumer (D2C) operations via fctrylab.com . Co-founded by industry veterans Omar Bailey and Abhi Som , FCTRY LAb is redefining the future of footwear through bold design, rapid innovation, and performance-driven engineering. Known for game-changing releases like the Duckboot - A bold streetwear collaboration with rapper NLE Choppa and the Stomper - A rugged yet refined boot that repurposes a classic silhouette with motorcycle-inspired detailing - worn by Seth Rollins in WWE, FCTRY LAb continues to push the boundaries of modern design. "Ҵý checked every box, from their proximity to our HQ and deep footwear experience to their ability to meet fast-paced scaling needs and high order volumes. With the lease ending at our current facility, FCTRY LAb turned to Ҵý for a quick and flexible solution, and they delivered," said Ravi Bhaskaran , chief operating officer at FCTRY LAb. "Partnering with Ҵý sets us up for success as we enter this next growth phase." In addition to its commercial success, FCTRY LAb has demonstrated elite performance capabilities. Co-founder Omar Bailey , known for designing footwear for MLB and NBA legends, developed custom cleats for Super Bowl champion Jalen Ramsey , which ranked in the top five by the NFL's official testing lab. The brand is also crafting footwear for San Francisco 49ers' Trent Williams , international cricketers, and pro tennis athletes. Recent standout models include the Knight RNR a sleek foam slip–on recovery sneaker , the MOCC for Men and MOCC for Women , a slip-on silhouette fusing moccasin comfort with future tech , and the RUFL Boots , designed to deliver utility and swagger in one powerful statement - as seen on New York Fashion Week. "We're thrilled to bring FCTRY LAb into the Ҵý family," said Harrison Smith , director of 3PL pricing. "Led by a visionary team, there's no doubt FCTRY LAb is poised for remarkable growth. We can't wait to be a part of the game-changing future they're building - and to provide the fulfillment and transportation support that helps them get there faster."  Ҵý's scalable infrastructure and proven apparel fulfillment expertise make it the right long-term partner as FCTRY LAb continues to grow and disrupt the footwear industry. Operations were launched at Ҵý's Montebello, California, facility . About Ҵý ҴýCenters Since 1941, Ҵý has provided customized third-party logistics (3PL), direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce fulfillment, omnichannel distribution, managed transportation solutions and retail compliance for clients across all industries, with a focus on apparel & footwear, health & beauty, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and education. Ҵý continues to be a leading 3rd party logistics provider in North America, known for superior execution, customer engagement and direct access to senior leadership decision makers. As a member of Inc's fastest growing companies list 15+ times, Ҵý is big enough to do the job and still small enough to deeply care about your business. Brands interested in a new 3PL partnership may contact Ҵý directly here . About FCTRY LAb FCTRY LAb is a Black led high-tech footwear innovation facility and brand based in Los Angeles. Co-Founded by Omar Bailey and Abhi Som, FCTRY LAb's mission is to help creators and brands of all sizes to develop and commercialize footwear while giving them significantly larger ownership than traditional endorsement models. The innovation lab is a bridge between product creation and manufacturing to full commercialization and fulfillment. Official Release Here
By Bryan Corbett August 13, 2025
3PL Finder 101 "Supply Chain is Not a Spreadsheet" There's so much going on in our industry and almost no time to talk about it all, so sometimes doing a quick 5 min video is best Plus, it's a great 🧠 release for me...sooo Here we go! Let's turn the 3PL search process upside down, maybe sorta just a little bit 👇 1️⃣ Be visible EARLY Don't be invisible or not part of early intro calls - it's OK to use personal discernment + gut feeelings + cultural alignment EARLY in the downselection process. Better early than late! 2️⃣ Meet the actual operators EARLY Ask to meet the operators in the targeted 3PL facilies near the beginning of the process. Imagine downselecting to 3 finalists only to find out that your entire team simply doesn't align with the personality of the leadership in the building?! Ruh-roh, sad face. 3️⃣ Get the financial truth upfront EARLY Ask for audited financials + company performance + a CFO 1v1 EARLY in the process. Again, what's the point in both teams doing all that work, only to find out your preferred future 3PL partner is bleeding cash or completely insolvent, looking for an IPO or a new buyer ASAP. Oops! The BEST partnerships at Ҵý  are built on trust, culture, and long-term alignment This is universal Business 101 - believe it!
By Katherine Wroth July 31, 2025
As someone who once considered Sephora a second home, I never thought I’d say this—but I genuinely can’t remember the last time I bought any of my clean holy grails in a physical store. These days, I’m what you might call a “last-drop” shopper: I wait until I’m down to the final pump of my favorite serum, then panic order online for next-day delivery. Please don’t cancel me, but retail isn’t part of my beauty routine anymore, and I know I’m not the only one. At Ҵý, we’ve seen a growing trend: clean beauty companies are turning away from traditional retail in favor of direct-to-consumer (D2C) eCommerce. The reason is clear: D2C creates room for brand storytelling, flexibility in operations, and a better end-to-end experience for today’s value-driven shopper. Here are the real reasons retail is losing its edge, and how D2C creates growth opportunities today. 1. Retail Is Built for Speed, Not Substance (not in this economy) Clean beauty brands are rooted in intention—ingredient integrity, sustainability, and cruelty-free practices. But the retail shelf doesn’t offer much room to explain any of that. When your product is sitting between a $15 drugstore brand and a $45 clean alternative, you’re left competing on price with no space to explain the difference. That disconnect often leads to missed opportunities, especially when: You’re penalized for being thoughtful. Retail prefers high-volume, fast-moving products. You’re held to costly terms. Slotting fees, markdown guarantees, and rigid planograms eat into margins. You’re locked into someone else’s calendar. Product launches are tied to shelf resets, not market demand or customer readiness. Retail often becomes a barrier for brands with a fast innovation cycle or a strong mission, not a booster. 2. D2C Gives You the Power to Educate, Connect, and Convert D2C isn’t just about selling online—it’s about owning the experience. When clean beauty brands shift to D2C, they gain: Creative control: Tell the full story behind your formulas, highlight ingredient sourcing, and explain your mission in your own words. Better margins: Without retail markups, you retain more revenue per order and can reinvest into growth. Direct relationships: With first-party data, you learn what your customers care about and tailor marketing and product development accordingly. Your website becomes more than a shop—it’s a hub for community, education, and loyalty-building. With tools like email, SMS, and loyalty programs, brands can drive repeat purchases without depending on third-party retailers. 3. Today’s Beauty Shopper Is Online (and doing their homework) Millennials and Gen Z consumers aren’t browsing drugstore aisles to discover clean beauty (I can attest to this). They’re scrolling. They’re reading labels. They want transparency, not gimmicky taglines. By selling direct, you can meet them where they already are: Share real reviews and before-and-afters that address real concerns. Use social media to gain exposure and drive traffic to your store—not someone else’s. Create an experience that mirrors what they value: personalized service, conscious packaging, and honest messaging. In short? The D2C model lets you keep the promise that clean beauty was built on. 4. Fulfillment Is the Missing Link—Until It’s Not Let’s talk supply chain. Because even the best product and cleanest brand message fall flat if shipping is slow, inventory runs out, or packaging arrives damaged. That’s where fulfillment becomes make-or-break. At Ҵý, we help clean beauty brands scale without losing their identity. We offer: Custom kitting and sustainable packaging solutions that mirror your mission. Climate-controlled environments to maintain product integrity. Nationwide 1–2 day delivery so customers never wait too long for their skincare staples. Dedicated account support from a team that knows beauty isn’t just another category—it’s a commitment. We see fulfillment as a brand experience. Done well, it reinforces your value. Done poorly, today’s buyers are not afraid of a return. Our job is to ensure it supports your growth, not slows you down. 5. Yes, D2C Has Challenges—But They’re Solvable Ad costs are rising. Customer acquisition is tough. Setting up the right tech stack takes time. But those hurdles aren’t unique to clean beauty. And they’re not insurmountable. We work with brands that overcome them every day by: Building communities, not just campaigns. Using subscriptions to create predictable revenue. Leveraging data to improve conversion and retention. Partnering with 3PLs who streamline operations behind the scenes. D2C can be your most efficient, brand-aligned channel with the proper foundation. Clean Beauty Deserves More Than a Shelf Clean beauty was never meant to be crammed between conventional products and explained in three bullet points. These brands were built to lead with purpose and scale with integrity. If that sounds like you, D2C isn’t a risk—it’s a return to your roots, with the tools to grow. And at Ҵý, we’re here to help you deliver. From warehousing and fulfillment to scalable shipping and custom packaging, we support beauty brands that believe in doing things differently. Contact us today for a free D2C complimentary supply chain consultation.
By Katherine Wroth July 31, 2025
Partnering with a 3PL is like getting into a new relationship. It most likely included multiple dates (a lengthy vetting process), maybe a few awkward first conversations, and finally, someone popped the question (aka, signed the contract). But just like any good relationship, the real work (and fun) begins after the honeymoon phase. Here’s what to expect during those first few months together: 1. Onboarding Isn’t Just a Kickoff Call—It’s the “Define the Relationship” Talk You’ll have meetings, and then meetings about the meetings. But don’t worry, this is where the magic starts. From reviewing order profiles and peak seasons to mapping your brand’s packaging specs, this phase is all about setting expectations and getting aligned. At Ҵý, we’re not winging it. We follow a structured timeline that ensures everyone knows who’s doing what (and when). 2. Systems Integration = Meeting the Family WMS, OMS, EDI, API—I know, it sounds like alphabet soup. But this part is essential. During these first few weeks, your tech team and ours will ensure your systems play nicely together. Because if your inventory data doesn’t sync or tracking numbers don’t send, it will be a rough honeymoon. 3. Inbound Product Planning: Move-In Day Gets Real Bringing inventory into a 3PL is like moving in with a new roommate. It requires planning, coordination, and maybe a few spreadsheets. We’ll help schedule deliveries, confirm labeling standards, and ensure your SKUs are stored for optimal picking. No one likes that awkward “where did I put that” feeling. 4. Training the Fulfillment Team: Learning Your Love Language You’ve got brand standards. We’ve got checklists. During the first 90 days, your dedicated warehouse team gets trained in everything from your product line to packaging details and QC steps. At Ҵý, we aim to make your unboxing experience feel like a love letter to your customer, every time. 5. Soft Launches: The First Weekend Trip Together We won’t go full throttle on Day 1. Instead, we start with a soft launch—fulfilling a smaller volume of orders so we can test processes, troubleshoot, and fine-tune. It’s like a weekend getaway before booking the two-week vacation. Let’s make sure we travel well together. 6. Daily Communication: Texts, Check-ins, and “Are You Free for a Quick Call?” You’ll be hearing from us—a lot. Regular performance updates, DMs, and issue resolution calls are when trust is built and kinks get worked out. With Ҵý, you’ll have a dedicated Customer Success Manager (aka your supply chain therapist) to keep things running smoothly. 7. By 90 Days In, It’s Starting to Feel Like a Real Partnership You’ve been through enough together to know it’s working by this point. You’ve ironed out processes, shared a few wins, and maybe even a fire drill or two. Your 3PL should no longer feel like “them”—it should feel like “us.” Ready to Build Something That Lasts? At Ҵý, we treat the first 90 days like the foundation of a long-term partnership—because we’re in it for the long haul. Let's chat if you’re ready to start strong (and maybe skip the awkward phase). Contact us for a free supply chain consultation today.
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