> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.jetpack3pl.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Retail Distribution

> Understand how Jetpack supports retail distribution partnerships, including EDI integration, compliance fulfillment, and GS1 labeling services for shipments to major retailers.

<div className="page-intro">
  Retail distribution enables you to ship inventory from Jetpack fulfillment centers directly to large retailers like Target, Walmart, and other big box partners. These retailers then fulfill orders for their end customers or stock the inventory in physical storefronts, expanding your reach while Jetpack handles the complex compliance and logistics requirements.
</div>

Retail distribution is a specialized B2B fulfillment model where inventory flows from a third-party logistics provider (3PL) to large retailers rather than directly to end consumers. This approach allows you to leverage retail partnerships while Jetpack manages the operational complexities of retailer-specific compliance standards, specialized labeling, and documentation requirements.

***

## Retail Distribution Overview

In a retail distribution model, Jetpack receives orders to ship your products to retailer warehouses. After receiving your inventory, retailers can use it in two primary ways:

1. **E-commerce fulfillment** - The retailer fulfills orders placed on their website (e.g., Target.com, Walmart.com)
2. **Physical store stocking** - The retailer distributes inventory to brick-and-mortar locations for in-store purchase

**Example:** Jetpack might receive an order to ship your products to a Target warehouse. Target could then use that inventory to fulfill orders on Target.com or place it in physical Target storefronts for customer purchase.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/jetpack/16IEwp1WjOy6YXut/images/b2b/retail-distribution-flow-diagram.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=16IEwp1WjOy6YXut&q=85&s=3df53c41dcb7017fbbd39c1a78d96493" alt="Retail distribution workflow showing order flow from retailer to merchant to Jetpack fulfillment center, then freight to retail distribution center and retail sales channels" className="screenshot" width="936" height="456" data-path="images/b2b/retail-distribution-flow-diagram.png" />

***

## Current Availability and Limitations

<Warning title="US-Only for Domestic B2B Orders">
  B2B retail distribution is currently available only for Jetpack's fulfillment centers in the United States for domestic B2B orders.
</Warning>

<Warning title="Returns Handling">
  Jetpack cannot process returns for retail distribution orders. Returns must be handled directly by the retailer or shipped back to you for processing.
</Warning>

***

## How Jetpack Supports Retail Distribution

Jetpack provides several integrated solutions to streamline your retail distribution operations:

| Capability                     | What Jetpack Provides                                                                                                                                        |
| ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **EDI Integration**            | Integrate your SDS account to connect with retailers, automate order management, and enable third-party shipping workflows.                                  |
| **Compliance and Fulfillment** | Orders are fulfilled according to each retailer's compliance guidelines using Jetpack's tech-enabled operational processes.                                  |
| **Barcode Requirements**       | All SKUs used for retail distribution must be barcoded. Jetpack can apply barcodes via a kitting request if your products don't already have them.           |
| **GS1 Labeling Services**      | Retail distribution orders automatically receive GS1 labels (which include a unique serial shipping container code or SSCC) if imported via EDI integration. |

***

## Understanding GS1 Labels for Retail Distribution

GS1 labels (also called GS128 labels) identify each shipping container—whether a box or pallet—within a retail distribution shipment. These labels are essential for retailer compliance and tracking.

**GS1 Label Requirements:**

| Requirement               | Details                                                                                                         |
| ------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Unique SSCC Required**  | Each GS1 label must contain a unique serial shipping container code (SSCC). This is the only mandatory element. |
| **Label Placement**       | Placement requirements vary by retailer. Jetpack follows each retailer's specific placement standards.          |
| **Automatic Application** | Orders imported via EDI integration automatically receive GS1 labels from Jetpack.                              |
| **Manual Upload Option**  | If you handle your own labeling, you can upload GS1 labels on the order details page in your Jetpack dashboard. |
| **Associated Fees**       | Jetpack charges a fee for each GS1 label applied to your shipment.                                              |

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/jetpack/ur_5BjSzf7SmVftd/images/b2b/gs1-label-sscc-example.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=ur_5BjSzf7SmVftd&q=85&s=fa5fc7cb72b6233fc976399aa34afd13" alt="Example GS1 label showing serial shipping container code (SSCC) barcode with highlighted callout indicating the unique SSCC identifier" className="screenshot" width="375" height="672" data-path="images/b2b/gs1-label-sscc-example.png" />

For more information about EDI integration and automated order workflows, see [Integrating Your Store](/fulfillment/account-setup/integrating-store).

***

## Getting Started with Retail Distribution

Retail distribution is exclusively available to merchants who meet certain eligibility criteria. This specialized service requires additional setup and configuration to ensure compliance with retailer-specific requirements.

**To learn more about retail distribution:**

1. **Pricing and Enablement:** Contact your Jetpack Care Manager to discuss pricing, eligibility requirements, and the enablement process.
2. **Approved Retailers:** Review the [list of approved retailers](/fulfillment/b2b/retail-distribution/approved-retailers) that Jetpack currently supports.
3. **Dropshipping:** If you're interested in retail dropshipping arrangements, see [Retail Dropshipping](/fulfillment/b2b/retail-distribution/dropshipping) for details.

***

## Let's Dive Deeper

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Our Approach to B2B" icon="warehouse" href="/fulfillment/b2b">
    Back to the main B2B fulfillment guide
  </Card>

  <Card title="Retail Dropshipping" icon="truck-fast" href="/fulfillment/b2b/retail-distribution/dropshipping">
    Fulfill dropship orders for retail partners
  </Card>

  <Card title="Approved Retailers" icon="circle-check" href="/fulfillment/b2b/retail-distribution/approved-retailers">
    View supported retail partnerships
  </Card>

  <Card title="Creating Manual B2B Orders" icon="file-invoice" href="/fulfillment/b2b/creating-manual-b2b-orders">
    Create wholesale and B2B orders in the dashboard
  </Card>

  <Card title="Integrating Your Store" icon="plug" href="/fulfillment/account-setup/integrating-store">
    Set up EDI and other integrations
  </Card>

  <Card title="B2B Turnaround Times" icon="clock" href="/fulfillment/b2b/b2b-turnaround-times">
    Review SLAs for B2B and retail orders
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<div className="jetpack-callout">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/jetpack/2iejPNBTYKEx6ntF/images/jetpack-logomark-256.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=2iejPNBTYKEx6ntF&q=85&s=340604ced4add3864f2641341826e1c9" alt="Jetpack" className="jetpack-callout-icon" width="256" height="256" data-path="images/jetpack-logomark-256.png" />

  <div className="jetpack-callout-content">
    <h4 className="jetpack-callout-title">Questions? Contact Jetpack Care.</h4>
    <p className="jetpack-callout-text">If you have questions about retail distribution eligibility, retailer compliance requirements, or GS1 labeling, contact Jetpack Care for assistance. Our team is here to help via Slack, phone, or email!</p>
  </div>
</div>
