Kohl's Overview

Kohl's a leading U.S. retailer, has long been committed to fostering diversity and supporting underrepresented communities. As part of their initiative to invest in Hispanic and Latino communities, Kohl’s sought to source unique handmade products from artisans in Guatemala, Panama, Peru, and other Hispanic countries. However, this initiative presented logistical challenges, including compliance with EDI standards, efficient supply chain management, and maintaining the authenticity of handmade goods while scaling operations.

Kohl's actively celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring the rich culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Their initiatives include supporting Hispanic-owned businesses, featuring Hispanic designers, and engaging in community outreach programs. This commitment aligns seamlessly with Snapl's collaboration with Kohl's to source and distribute handmade products from Hispanic artisans, further amplifying the cultural heritage and economic empowerment of these communities.

Snapl, a third-party logistics (3PL) provider specializing in fulfillment solutions, partnered with Kohl’s to address these challenges. By leveraging its expertise in inspection, tagging, labeling, and redistribution, Snapl facilitated seamless integration of these products into Kohl’s supply chain, ensuring both operational efficiency and alignment with Kohl’s corporate social responsibility goals.

Project Scope

The primary objectives of the project included:

1. Inspection and Quality Assurance: Ensuring the handmade products met Kohl’s rigorous quality standards without compromising their authenticity.
2. Tagging and Labeling: Creating standardized labeling that adhered to Kohl’s branding and regulatory requirements while preserving cultural significance.
3. EDI Compliance: Implementing seamless Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) integration for accurate order processing and tracking.
4. Redistribution to Distribution Centers: Coordinating the logistics of shipping products from various Hispanic countries to Kohl’s distribution centers across the United States.
5. Community Impact: Amplifying the visibility and economic opportunities for artisans from underrepresented Hispanic communities.

Execution

Snapl approached the project with a tailored strategy:

• Sourcing and Quality Assurance: Snapl’s on-ground teams in Guatemala, Panama, Peru, and other countries collaborated with local artisan cooperatives to establish quality benchmarks. Each product underwent meticulous inspection to ensure durability, craftsmanship, and adherence to Kohl’s specifications.
• Custom Tagging and Labeling: Snapl developed a flexible labeling system that balanced Kohl’s branding needs with the storytelling aspect of each handmade item. Tags highlighted the origin of the products and the artisans’ stories, resonating with Kohl’s commitment to cultural appreciation.
• EDI Implementation: Snapl’s IT team worked closely with Kohl’s technical staff to implement an EDI-compliant system. This ensured real-time updates on inventory levels, shipment statuses, and order tracking, minimizing errors and delays.
• Streamlined Redistribution: Snapl managed the complex logistics of transporting goods from multiple countries to Kohl’s distribution centers. This included coordinating with customs, optimizing shipping routes, and maintaining cost-efficiency while ensuring timely deliveries.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Snapl’s team worked diligently to preserve the cultural integrity of the products. By providing educational materials and training to Kohl’s teams, Snapl ensured that the value and heritage of the handmade items were effectively communicated to end consumers.

Results

Snapl’s partnership with Kohl’s delivered exceptional outcomes across multiple facets of the project. The collaboration streamlined Kohl’s supply chain operations, enhanced product quality, and deepened customer engagement through culturally enriched storytelling. Most importantly, the project had a meaningful socio-economic impact by empowering artisans from Hispanic communities, aligning with Kohl’s commitment to supporting underrepresented groups. This success established a scalable model for future initiatives and reinforced Snapl’s reputation as a trusted partner in sourcing and distributing culturally significant products.

Conclusion

Snapl’s partnership with Kohl’s demonstrates the transformative power of a well-executed 3PL strategy. By seamlessly integrating handmade products from Hispanic artisans into Kohl’s supply chain, Snapl not only optimized operational efficiencies but also amplified Kohl’s commitment to diversity and cultural appreciation. This case study underscores Snapl’s capability to merge logistical expertise with social impact, setting a benchmark for future collaborations in the eCommerce and logistics industry.