The United States Apparel Logistics Market size is estimated at USD 27.07 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 33.35 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of greater than 4.57% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The apparel industry's rapid replenishment cycles are the major market growth drivers. Across retailers and manufacturers, apparel supply chains fiercely vie to deliver the latest trends and optimal customer experiences. Concurrently, shifting consumer expectations and evolving fulfillment models exert pressure on apparel businesses. Numerous prominent fashion retailers have implemented multi-channel distribution from a unified facility with a single information system, significantly enhancing labor efficiency and inventory management. The apparel market undergoes constant evolution and reinvention. Emerging sales channels require companies to assess and revamp their logistics and transportation networks consistently.
The pandemic resulted in lockdowns, capacity constraints, and disruptions in transportation systems in the United States. With rapidly rising cases, the apparel logistics market is experiencing various impacts. The availability of labor is disrupting the supply chain of the apparel logistics market, as lockdowns and the spread of the virus compel people to stay indoors. The US apparel sector is dynamic and driven by continually evolving fashion trends. Faced with fierce competition, apparel firms are integrating new technologies like data analytics and AI. The industry relies heavily on outsourcing, offering logistics firms significant opportunities in both domestic and international realms, intensifying competition. Disruptions in the supply chain result in substantial losses for apparel firms. Consequently, apparel companies typically opt to outsource their operations to logistics providers to mitigate these impacts.
The apparel industry is expected to be the most booming industry in the United States during the forecasted period. Women make up the vast majority of the apparel industry. The major reason for the growth of the apparel industry is the booming of online sales. Currently, approximately 33% of the total apparel sales are done through online sales, and during the forecasted period, it is expected to grow by more than 39%.
In the current years, the most popular online sales channel used for apparel and footwear shopping in the United States is a retailer’s website, which sells a lot of different brands and has a more than 35% majority share. The rest are followed by Amazon and social media. During the historic period, the apparel and footwear shopping survey revealed that more than nine out of ten shoppers purchased casual clothing and footwear online. Furthermore, approximately 84% of respondents reported purchasing athletic clothing and footwear online.
The growth of the online apparel industry in the United States refers to the increasing expansion and development of the sector over time, characterized by rising sales, market share, and consumer engagement with online clothing and fashion platforms.
The growing apparel market in the United States is significantly influencing the expansion of apparel logistics. As consumer demand for clothing and fashion items continues to rise, apparel companies are faced with the challenge of efficiently managing the transportation, storage, and delivery of their products. This increased demand for timely and reliable logistics services has led to a surge in the development and expansion of apparel logistics operations across the country.
Apparel logistics companies play a critical role in ensuring that clothing items reach consumers quickly and in optimal condition. They are responsible for managing complex supply chains, coordinating transportation networks, and implementing innovative technologies to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
With the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, the demand for apparel logistics services has grown even further. Consumers expect fast and convenient delivery options when purchasing clothing online, driving apparel companies to invest in robust logistics infrastructure to meet these expectations.
Additionally, the competitive nature of the apparel industry means that companies must continuously optimize their logistics processes to remain agile and responsive to changing market trends. This includes adopting advanced technologies such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation to enhance supply chain visibility, reduce costs, and improve overall performance.
The US apparel logistics market is moderately fragmented, with the presence of a large number of players across the country. Players in the market are adopting technological innovation, expansion, mergers, and acquisitions to capture more market share. Many country logistics firms maintain a dedicated retail and apparel logistics division to cater to market demands. Moreover, local logistics providers are progressively bolstering their fleet size, service spectrum, handled products, and technological integration capacities. The booming e-commerce sector presents both opportunities and hurdles for logistics companies, particularly in terms of delivery speed and efficiency. Some of the significant players operating in the US logistics market include CEVA Logistics, DB Schenker, Deutsche Post DHL Group, DSV, and Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.
Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.
Download eBook