Fanatics Adopts American Eagle Quiet Platforms for Same-day/Next-Day

Supply Chain
Written By Rick Watson

Fanatics Adopts American Eagle Quiet Platforms for Same-day/Next-Day

Over the past few years, American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) is trying to build an alternate fulfillment network to the major carriers, corresponding to the needs of mid-market retailers ($100M - $1B).

AEO made two logistics acquisitions last year, one is AirTerra, a startup focused on the middle mile. And Quiet Logistics, an automated 3PF provider which historically I've seen focus more on apparel and accessories (for instance Mack Weldon and Steve Madden uses them).

Fanatics is said to be adopting them to expand its same-day/next-day capabilities.

So we have an interesting dynamic setting up. The major carriers like UPS/FedEx are restricting peak volumes on major customers. Forcing them to find other solutions.

Amazon has become the largest logistics network in North America, as you could easily predict by their forward level of investment.

Walmart is investing in some third-party logistics, but mostly near their stores and not an end-to-end network for other retailers.

AEO has an interesting niche here, if it can get adoption. That will be the thing to watch.

btw, doesn't Fanatics decision kind of kick sand in the face of Radial?

Rick Watson

Rick Watson founded RMW Commerce Consulting after spending 20+ years as a technology entrepreneur and operator exclusively in the eCommerce industry with companies like ChannelAdvisor, BarnesandNoble.com, Merchantry, and Pitney Bowes.

Watson’s work today is centered on supporting investors and management teams incubating and growing direct-to-consumer businesses. Most recently, in partnership with WHP Global, Rick was a critical resource in architecting the WHP+ platform, a new turnkey direct to consumer digital e-commerce platform that powers AnneKlein.com and JosephAbboud.com.

Watson also hosts a weekly podcast, Watson Weekly, where he shares an unbiased, unfiltered expert take on the retail sector’s biggest players.

In the past year alone, Rick has spoken at many in-person and virtual events as well as podcasts on topics ranging from retail/ecom to supply chain/logistics and even digital grocery including CommerceNext IRL, ASCM Connect, and Retail Innovation Conference.

https://www.rmwcommerce.com/
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