The last-mile distribution emerges as the main logistical challenge of this year, according to data from the Logisfashion report. The study, which gathered more than 500 responses across social media from collaborators, customers, and industry professionals, indicates that 58% of respondents identify last-mile delivery as the year’s biggest challenge, followed by international logistics (29%).
In this context, transportation is consolidating as a critical element to meet customer expectations. 33% of respondents consider that the greatest challenge is achieving more sustainable deliveries without impacting profitability, while 30% point to shorter delivery times and 23% to flexibility at pickup points. Only 15% cite visibility of the order status as the main concern, reflecting a shift in priorities toward more agile and environmentally responsible models.
“Logistics is no longer measured solely in terms of efficiency, but in its ability to adapt to a more demanding, sustainable, and omnichannel consumer,” says Liliana Labarthe, Corporate Marketing Director at Logisfashion.
Value-added services and personalization
Value-added operations and personalization in the fashion and lifestyle sector continue to gain prominence as competitive levers. Moreover, in this area, 50% of respondents point to labeling and special packaging as the most appealing, while 21% highlight ironing as a differentiating added value.
Additionally, certain campaigns continue to test operational resilience. 46% of professionals identify Black Friday as the campaign that places the most strain on sector operations, followed by the Christmas campaign (29%), periods that concentrate demand peaks and require maximum responsiveness.
Artificial intelligence and automation
In terms of technological innovation, 39% of respondents believe that artificial intelligence applied to route optimization and stock management will be the biggest logistics trend in the next five years, followed by robotization and automation (30%).
As for concrete AI applications, 42% highlight its value in demand forecasting, 30% in inventory management, and 26% in optimizing delivery routes.
However, automating distribution centers still faces significant barriers. 38% of respondents cite internal culture and resistance to change as the main challenge, while 36% point to the cost of implementation.
Reverse logistics, security and omnichannel
Reverse logistics remains a critical area. In addition, 46% of professionals consider that the biggest challenge is quality control of returned products, followed by processing times (34%).
To ensure warehouse security, 63% agree that ongoing team training is the most important measure, above other technological or structural initiatives.
In the omnichannel realm, 37% identify integrating physical-store and online logistics as the main challenge, followed by returns management (26%) and real-time visibility (22%).
“Companies that succeed in integrating sustainability, automation, and artificial intelligence with a change-ready organizational culture will lead the sector in the coming years,” concludes Liliana Labarthe, Corporate Marketing Director at Logisfashion.
