As Gina Tricot consolidates its warehouse operations and establishes a unified platform for stores, e-commerce, and returns management, the fashion retailer has selected Element Logic as the systems integrator for its entire warehouse operation. Kust outside the company’s headquarters in Sweden, a highly automated and scalable logistics hub is now being built to support growth across Europe.

Gina Tricot is a strong and profitable Swedish fashion brand with a clear omnichannel strategy. With rapidly growing e-commerce and an ambition to consolidate multiple warehouses into one, the need for a unified and future-proof logistics solution became clear.

-We operate in a fast-paced business with short lead times and large fluctuations in volume. For us, it was crucial to find a solution that can handle the entire flow, from inbound to stores, e-commerce, and returns, all within the same system, says Petri Ventelä, Logistics Manager at Gina Tricot. 

For us, it was crucial to find a solution that can handle the entire flow, from inbound to stores, e-commerce, and returns, all within the same system.

Petri Ventelä, Logistics Manager, Gina Tricot 

From manual warehouse to fully automated flow 

Previously, Gina Tricot mainly relied on manual processes, supported by simpler sorting automation. In the new facility, the company is taking a major step toward fully automated operations, where the entire goods flow is automated, starting from container unloading at goods reception through to outbound deliveries.

The objectives of the investment: 

• improve efficiency compared with manual operations 

• consolidate warehouse operations into a single unit 

• manage stores, e-commerce, and business-to-business flows in one solution 

• enable batch picking of store orders 

• build in scalability for future growth 

AutoStore at the core, with a focus on the complete solution

AutoStore forms the core of the warehouse solution, but the focus has been on the overall system rather than individual components. Together with Gina Tricot, Element Logic has conducted extensive data analysis and simulations to ensure the right capacity, layout, and technical level, both for current operations and future needs. 

The automated solution includes, among other things: 

• automated goods reception directly at container unloading 

• sorting to AutoStore, pallet storage, and buffer areas 

• decanting to AutoStore for both inbound goods and returns 

• picking and packing for stores, e-commerce, and business-to-business 

• automated carton supply and sealing 

• sorting to the correct outbound destination 

• Element Logic Warehouse Software 

Returns management as a competitive advantage 

With a high return rate as a natural part of the fashion industry, the returns flow has been a central element in the solution design. Returns are received on pallets or in rolling carts, automatically decanted, and stored in AutoStore in compartmentalized bins, making items quickly available for resale. 

All ports in the system are flexible and can be used for inbound, returns processing, or picking as needed, creating high availability and robust operations.

-Returns handling is business-critical for us. By automating this part of the process as well, we can shorten lead times, reduce manual work, and gain better control of inventory levels, says Petri Ventelä. 

Returns handling is business-critical for us. By automating this part of the process as well, we can shorten lead times, reduce manual work, and gain better control of inventory levels.

Petri Ventelä, Logistics Manager, Gina Tricot

A long-term strategic decision 

Following a thorough evaluation of different alternatives, Gina Tricot selected a solution that combines simplicity, scalability, and a clear implementation plan. 

-This is a strategic investment for Gina Tricot. We have chosen a solution that not only addresses today’s needs but also provides a stable platform for continued growth across e-commerce, stores, and business-to-business, says Ted Boman, Chief Executive Officer of Gina Tricot.

This is a strategic investment for Gina Tricot. We have chosen a solution that not only addresses today’s needs but also provides a stable platform for continued growth across e-commerce, stores, and business-to-business.

Ted Boman, Chief Executive Officer, Gina Tricot

For Element Logic, this solution is a clear example of our capabilities as an automation partner with end-to-end responsibility. 

-Gina Tricot started from a complex operational setup, with high volumes, multiple flows, and clear growth ambitions. Our role has been to help them make the right decisions from the outset and to build a solution that is efficient, scalable, and sustainable over time. This is system integration in practice, says Anders Bohlin, Sales Director at Element Logic Scandinavia.

Our role has been to help them make the right decisions from the outset and to build a solution that is efficient, scalable, and sustainable over time. This is system integration in practice.

Anders Bohlin, Sales Director, Element Logic Scandinavia

Facts: Element Logic installation at Gina Tricot 

• AutoStore robots: 162 R5 Pro 

• Grid positions and bins: 100,000 

• Ports:
  – 24 carousel ports for picking and packing 
  – 6 carousel ports for decanting 
  – 6 conveyor ports for returns inbound 
• Capacity: up to 6,000 order lines per hour 

• Peripheral automation: conveyor system for light goods, automated goods reception, sorting, carton erectors and sealers, and integrated software for control and analysis