Whether you’re gearing up for the holiday rush or winding down after a busy summer, seasonal changes can make or break your inventory management. A little preparation goes a long way, and knowing how to recover afterward keeps your business healthy year-round.
Before the Season: Get Ready
Review Last Year’s Data
Look at what sold well, what sat on shelves, and what ran out too fast. Historical trends are your best guide for smarter ordering decisions this time around.
Adjust Reorder Points
Your usual stock levels might not cut it during peak season. Temporarily raise minimum quantities for your best sellers to avoid disappointing customers.
Communicate with Suppliers
Give your suppliers a heads-up about expected demand. Early conversations can help you secure priority fulfillment and avoid delays when everyone else is scrambling.
Organize Your Space
Make room for incoming stock. Clear out slow movers, create staging areas, and ensure your high-demand items are easy to access.
During the Season: Stay on Top
Monitor Stock Daily
Seasonal rushes move fast. Check inventory levels frequently so you can reorder before it’s too late, not after you’ve already lost sales.
Track What’s Moving (and What’s Not)
Some products will surprise you. Pay attention to unexpected winners and underperformers so you can adjust on the fly.
After the Season: Recover Smart
Conduct a Physical Count
Once the dust settles, verify what you actually have. Seasonal chaos often creates discrepancies between your records and reality.
Analyze the Results
What worked? What didn’t? Document your findings while they’re fresh. Your future self will thank you.
Deal with Leftover Stock
Seasonal items that didn’t sell need a plan. Consider discounts, bundling, storage for next year, or liquidation depending on the product.
Reset Your Reorder Points
Bring your stock levels back to normal. Keeping seasonal quantities year-round ties up cash and storage space unnecessarily.
The Bottom Line
Seasonal inventory management isn’t just about surviving the rush. It’s about learning from each cycle to improve the next one. With good preparation and thoughtful recovery, you’ll turn seasonal challenges into growth opportunities.