Fashion brand Hugo Boss plans to shift its logistics strategy by reducing its reliance on air freight and using it only in exceptional cases.
According to the company’s Chief Financial and Operations Officer, Yves Müller, air transport currently accounts for only a high single-digit percentage of its logistics needs—down from mid-teen levels in 2024. The long-term goal is to reduce this share to near zero and reserve air freight only for urgent situations.
The move is part of a broader effort to improve profit margins and operational efficiency, alongside simplifying product ranges and optimizing supply chains.
Focus on Sea Freight
Hugo Boss plans to prioritize sea transportation as its main logistics method. This shift is expected to:
- Lower costs
- Reduce dependence on expensive air cargo
- Help cut greenhouse gas emissions
Supporting Strategy
To achieve this transition, the company is investing in:
- A more flexible supply chain
- Digital tools such as digital twin technology
- Increased nearshoring (production closer to markets)
Risks and Challenges
However, relying more on sea freight brings risks. Disruptions in key shipping routes—especially in regions like the Red Sea and Middle East—can:
- Extend delivery times
- Increase logistics costs
- Create uncertainty in global supply chains
Overall, Hugo Boss is aiming to build a more cost-efficient and sustainable logistics model, even if it means sacrificing some speed in delivery.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök