The Element Logic Solution for Abercrombie & Fitch 

CONSULTANCY APPROACH: Element Logic partnered with Abercrombie & Fitch to consolidate, optimize and reduce costs of their distribution operations within the confines of a specific footprint. 

AUTOMATED SOLUTION: The implementation of the automated Bombay sorter has improved the efficiency with which items were sorted and has reduced the labor force significantly. 

ENHANCED OPERATION: The solution enabled A&F to decrease their footprint, decrease costs and increase the accuracy of their operations. 

THE CHALLENGE 

In 2008, Abercrombie and Fitch had two separate Distribution Centers with Put-To-Light systems, which were no longer as efficient as they once were. A&F started to reevaluate its volume, efficiency and footprint, and decided to consolidate all the retail operations into one building. 

The UPH was in the low to mid 400s, while the packing function was in the mid-500s. 

The two DCs had to be consolidated into one 800,000 sq. ft. Distribution Center, the speed had to be improved, and it had to be able to handle peak volumes. 

THE SOLUTION 

After evaluating A&F’s needs and budget, it was decided that the best solution would be to install a SORTRAK Bombay sorter. While the option of bringing in two sorters was discussed, it was decided that one sorter that could sort to all store locations was the best solution for A&F. 

Overall department productivity almost doubled– going from low 400 UPH to mid-700 UPH, as well as the packing function productivity– going from mid 500s to low 1,000s. 

“When we built the sorter, we needed to be able to handle multiple units in a bag (prepack) in order to be able to handle peak volumes,” Todd Vallely, VP of Distribution said. “This really decreased the touches per item, one put is 4-6 units, so it allowed us to run even more volume on the sorter.” 
“We really like that it’s very easy to use, it’s not an overly complicated system,” Vallely added. “It’s fairly easy to train people and have them get up to speed with everything very quickly.” 
“We also came to Element Logic with different challenges,” Vallely said. “We wanted to use this sorter to sort direct-to-consumer orders, it was an out-of-the-box-thing and Element Logic’s been able to put together a plan that allowed us to do that successfully.” 

THE SYSTEM 

The new system was built inside a 900,000 sq. ft. DC and provided roughly an extra 200,000 sq. ft. of space through the building of a mezzanine. 

This allowed A&F to cut their retail packing footprint in half from the previous process (from 200,000 to 100,000), as well as helping them to dramatically improve UPH and use less than half the people they used in the past. 

ABOUT Abercrombie & Fitch 

David Abercrombie founded A&F in 1892 as an upscale sporting goods store. Forming a partnership with Ezra Fitch, the company continued to expand in the new 20th century. After Abercrombie left the company, Fitch became sole owner and ushered in the “Fitch Years” of continued success. 

After his retirement, the company continued under a succession of other leaders until 1977. Limited Brands purchased the ailing brand in 1988 and brought in Mike Jeffries, who revolutionized the image of Abercrombie & Fitch to become an upscale youthful fashion retailer. 

Today, the company is a multi-billion-dollar entity continuing to experience economic expansion through the business continuance of three offshoot growing concepts and cautious international expansion into key luxury markets.