Page 43 - CBM33-V2
P. 43
~ Bleckmann ~
BSCALE:
A PLUG-AND-PLAY SOLUTION
POWERING EMERGING
FASHION BRANDS
Text: Gerard van der Zanden // Photos: Bleckmann
Scaling a young fashion brand during a phase of hyper-growth often means looking for
solutions to streamline operations, especially when it comes to logistics. While partnering
with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider is a natural next step, many providers set order
volume thresholds that exclude smaller or emerging brands. This leaves many fast-growing
brands stuck fulfilling orders in-house, an exhausting and time-consuming process. To
address this gap, Bleckmann has launched Bscale: a plug-and-play logistics service tailored
specifically for emerging brands. Let’s explore how Wolk Antwerp, one of the first brands to
adopt Bscale, is transforming its operations and scaling up sustainably.
olk Antwerp: A Rising Star in Merino When they began searching for a 3PL partner, they
Wool Fashion encountered a roadblock. “Most providers turned us down
WFounded in 2018 by Belgian product designers because our order volumes weren’t high enough,” Ellen
Ellen Cattebeke and Joris Smeunix, Wolk Antwerp explains. “That’s when we discovered Bleckmann’s Bscale
has built a reputation for high-end menswear with a offering. It allowed us to seamlessly onboard, giving us
unique twist. Their collections focus on merino wool, access to Bleckmann’s advanced logistics capabilities
an exceptional material that constitutes 99% of their without requiring minimum volume commitments or
garments, including dress shirts, tees, and knitwear. significant upfront costs.”
“We saw a strong demand for smart, stylish garments that Innovative Fulfilment Powered by Automation
are comfortable, durable, and low-maintenance,” explains Today, all of Wolk Antwerp’s warehousing and fulfilment
Joris. “Merino wool was the perfect choice – it’s luxurious, needs are managed at Bleckmann’s state-of-the-art
machine washable, doesn’t crease, and doesn’t need distribution centre in Grobbendonk, Belgium. As a Bscale
washing after every wear. It’s the ultimate combination of client, Wolk benefits from Bleckmann’s automated storage
performance and aesthetics.” and retrieval system.
This innovative approach has earned Wolk a growing The cutting-edge “cube storage” system uses radio-
customer base, not just in Europe but also in the U.S. controlled robots to manage inventory in an ultra-compact
However, rapid growth also brought logistical challenges. setup, requiring just one-seventh of the space needed
for traditional storage methods. The system not only
From Home Fulfilment to Scalable Logistics optimises space but also slashes lead times by up to 60%,
With orders piling up, Ellen and Joris found themselves streamlining order picking and packing.
fulfilling customer orders from their own home – a
solution that quickly became unsustainable. “Our house “When we visited this automated storage system in
was filling up with boxes, and balancing logistics with Grobbendonk, we were blown away by its size and
running the business was increasingly difficult,” shares sophistication,” Joris says. “We’ve cut a day off our delivery
Joris. times and can now ensure 365-day uptime, getting
43

