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Retail Storage Solutions to Boost Your Bottom Line

man chacking ipad for a retail warehouse

Key Takeaways

  • Retail storage solutions help retailers manage inventory more efficiently and reduce operational costs
  • Outsourcing to a 3PL provides flexible storage capacity during seasonal or unexpected demand shifts
  • Armstrong offers advanced security measures to protect inventory and reduce risk
  • A national 3PL network helps minimize delays and improve fulfillment speed
  • Partnering with Armstrong strengthens customer satisfaction and frees retailers to focus on growth

Delays at factories, shipping yards and ports are contributing to rising prices and product shortages, forcing the retail industry to get creative to keep up with orders. Brick-and-mortar and e-commerce retailers have fought to maintain some semblance of normalcy in the supply chain by expanding their warehousing footprints.

However, today’s tight industrial market makes building, buying and leasing new warehousing space expensive, inefficient and unproductive. Instead, retailers are increasingly turning to third-party logistics providers (3PL) to deliver short- and long-term storage solutions that reduce overhead costs and facilitate growth. In a recent Shopify survey, 37 percent of merchants said they planned to hire a new 3PL provider this year.

Here are four ways 3PL warehousing services save retailers money and allow them to scale.

What are retail storage solutions

Retail storage solutions refer to the systems, services, and warehousing strategies that help retailers store, manage, and move inventory efficiently. These solutions often include outsourced 3PL warehousing, inventory tracking, order fulfillment support, and flexible storage capacity. For retailers facing shifting demand, reliable storage solutions reduce overhead costs and improve operational productivity.

As retailers face accelerating consumer demand and crippling supply-chain disruptions, efficient inventory and warehouse management are critical to companies’ health.

Pay only for the space you need

Retailers have to compete for limited warehousing space — and experts say that won’t change anytime soon. A CBRE report found that the United States will need to add 330 million square feet to accommodate the predicted increase in online ordering.

Companies are putting down lengthy leases or undergoing drawn-out construction processes to acquire the remaining space. In comparison, partnering with a 3PL for short-term storage allows retailers to stay flexible and adjust their footprints to match the seasonal rises and falls in consumer demand.

When experiencing sudden growth, you can quickly mobilize your 3PL partner to handle the increased order volume. On slower months, you can scale back your storage without paying hefty lease-breaking fees.

Improve customer satisfaction with expert inventory management

Logistics companies have the assets and experience to break through the barriers to your growth, whether changing import duties or backed-up ports. For less than the price of new construction, you gain access to streamlined warehousing-management processes, cutting-edge technology and value-add services.

Many 3PLs offer real-time tracking, making it easy to manage your inventory remotely and prevent out-of-stock products. You can also improve customer satisfaction by enlisting a 3PL to support order fulfillment.

Logistics partners have the resources, experience and personnel to fulfill orders quickly and professionally. They can also delight your customers through kitting, consolidation, assembly, bundling and other services.

Reduce risk with secure retail storage solutions

As global shipping increases, so does freight theft. Texas has the second-highest rate of cargo theft in the country, so local distribution warehouses need to enhance their security to protect their assets.

Your 3PL will have insurance on their property and advanced technology to keep an eye on products. With well-lit areas, surveillance systems and tracking measures, your 3PL will minimize risk and give you peace of mind.

Also, logistics companies hire the best and brightest in the industry, conducting extensive background checks and thorough training to ensure they handle your goods in a way that is efficient, effective and secure.

Minimize delays by leveraging a global 3PL network

You can combat supply-chain disruption by using your 3PL’s local, national and global shipping networks. Logistics partners own their trucks and equipment, and they often have multiple locations across the country, allowing them to get your items in and out of storage faster.

Your 3PL will also have long-standing relationships with diverse carriers — relationships you may struggle to build by yourself but are vital to staying ahead of supply-chain challenges. Through their owned locations and vetted partners, your 3PL will be able to bring fulfillment closer to your customers and provide efficient final-mile deliveries.

Partnering with a 3PL is no longer a plus, but a must, to stay competitive and follow through on customer commitments. The right 3PL can reduce stress, increase productivity and deliver a strong return on investment for your retail business.

Why flexible retail storage matters for your bottom line

A scalable retail storage strategy helps you respond to market shifts, protect your products, and deliver consistent customer experiences. With Armstrong’s nationwide network, retailers gain dependable warehousing capacity and on-demand support without committing to expensive long-term leases.

Armstrong – Houston streamlines your logistics and warehousing processes so you can focus on your business. Armstrong has everything retailers need to exceed customer expectations with 31 coast-to-coast locations and three million square feet in warehousing space. Get started today by calling 281.897.1118 or requesting a free quote online.

Ready to strengthen your retail storage strategy? Contact Armstrong today for a customized 3PL solution that supports your growth and improves your bottom line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is retail storage solutions?

Retail storage solutions include warehousing, inventory management, and fulfillment support designed to help retailers store inventory efficiently and reduce operational costs. These solutions are often provided by 3PLs like Armstrong that offer scalable storage and logistics expertise.

How do retail storage solutions help retailers save money?

They eliminate the need for long leases or new construction, reduce labor expenses, and streamline inventory management. Working with a 3PL lets retailers pay only for the space and services they need.

What types of storage solutions do retailers use?

Common solutions include short-term storage, overflow warehousing, cross-docking, climate-controlled storage, and fulfillment support. Armstrong provides flexible options tailored to fluctuating retail demand.

When should a retailer consider using a 3PL for storage?

Retailers should consider a 3PL when facing seasonal volume spikes, space shortages, rising operational costs, or fulfillment delays. Armstrong helps retailers scale quickly without disrupting operations.