# Automated Fashion Fulfillment Bleckmann Adds AutoStore to H&M Logistics Operations By Mursal Rahman | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-10-01 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/automated-fulfillment-hubs References: [retailgazette](https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/10/hm-group-taps-bleckmann-to-support-uk-expansion) & [bleckmann](https://www.bleckmann.com/press/hm-group-bleckmann-crick-logistics)  Bleckmann is expanding automated fashion fulfillment through its new logistics partnership with H&M Group at the Crick distribution center in the UK Midlands. Operations began in August 2026, with the third-party logistics provider supporting multiple H&M Group brands from the facility. Bleckmann is now implementing an AutoStore system designed to increase warehouse efficiency, capacity, and flexibility while supporting the demands of large-scale fashion distribution. The automated setup can help Bleckmann handle greater inventory volumes while making more efficient use of warehouse space and adapting operations as client requirements change. For H&M Group, working with a fashion-focused logistics specialist provides additional fulfillment infrastructure without requiring the retailer to operate the facility independently. For Bleckmann, securing H&M Group as a client strengthens its fashion logistics portfolio while its AutoStore investment creates additional capacity that can support expanding operations and future demand. Image Credit: Nigel Wiggins / Shutterstock.com ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.9/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 99% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Automated Fashion Warehousing:** Robotic storage and retrieval systems are reshaping apparel logistics by creating denser, faster, and more adaptable fulfillment environments for high-volume retail operations. - **Third-party Fulfillment Expansion:** Fashion brands are increasingly relying on specialized logistics partners to scale distribution infrastructure without taking on the complexity of operating large fulfillment centers themselves. - **Flexible Inventory Capacity:** Modular automation platforms allow warehouses to adjust to shifting brand needs, seasonal demand spikes, and broader product assortments with greater operational resilience. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion Retail:** Large apparel groups can benefit from outsourced automated fulfillment models that support multi-brand distribution and faster response to changing consumer demand. - **Logistics and Warehousing:** Automation-led facility upgrades are creating new competitive advantages for third-party logistics providers serving complex, inventory-heavy retail categories. - **Robotics and Automation:** Demand from fashion fulfillment centers is expanding the market for compact robotic systems that optimize space utilization, throughput, and scalable warehouse performance. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Automated Retail Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/venhub.md) - [AI-Driven Warehouse Automation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/SIMPL.md) - [AI-Driven Wholesale Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hypedrop.md) - [Automated Fulfillment Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotics-supply-chain-hub.md) - [Locker Delivery Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/locker-delivery.md) - [Automated Fulfilment Centre Upgrades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/george-autostore-hub.md) - [Robotic Fulfillment Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Robotic-fulfillment-services.md) - [Next-Gen Distribution Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Burlington-Stores.md) - [Fulfillment Automation Investments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/European-fulfillment-operations.md)