PFSweb

In 1994, inside a distributor of computer supplies called Daisytek International, an idea was born. The CEO, Mark C. Layton, saw a growing need for companies to outsource their order processing and fulfillment. He created a new unit named Priority Fulfillment Services, or PFS, to handle these tasks for other businesses. Initially focused on call centers and logistics, the company was laying the groundwork for the coming eCommerce boom. The turn of the millennium was a pivotal moment. As the dot-com era surged, PFS had already built expertise in the complex, behind-the-scenes work of getting products to customers. In December 1999, the company spun off from its parent, rebranded as PFSweb, and went public on the NASDAQ. Now independent, PFSweb expanded its services, offering a complete package from website development and digital marketing to warehousing and shipping for major brands. For over two decades, PFSweb operated as a public entity, navigating the evolving landscape of online retail. It expanded into Europe, made strategic acquisitions, and adapted to the increasing demands of direct-to-consumer shipping. The company became a crucial, though often invisible, partner for brands in sectors like luxury goods, fashion, and cosmetics. The final chapter of its independent journey came in October 2023. GXO Logistics, a major player in supply chain management, announced it would acquire PFSweb for approximately $181 million. The acquisition marked the end of PFSweb's time as a public company but validated its long-standing role as a specialized operator in the engine room of global eCommerce.