How to manage seasonal inventory better

Tips to Keep Your Fulfilment Flowing During the Holiday Rush

Meeting holiday fulfilment demands can feel like a juggling act. With order volumes skyrocketing and delivery expectations soaring, the peak season can be both exciting and overwhelming. As a 3PL provider, we know just how high the stakes are during this time—and how crucial it is to get inventory management right.

The good news? With proper planning and the right strategies in place, navigating seasonal demand becomes far more manageable. Here’s how you can keep your shelves stocked, your orders moving, and your customers smiling.

 

Predict Demand in Advance

It all starts with preparation. Analyse your past order history, customer trends, and sales data to forecast demand accurately. This helps ensure you’re stocking the right products in the right quantities—before the rush hits. The earlier you start, the better you can spread out your incoming shipments and avoid last-minute scrambles.

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Rotate Stock Effectively

Seasonal surges can lead to rushed handling—and that often means product mix-ups or outdated inventory getting shipped. To prevent this, use FIFO (First In, First Out) stock rotation. It keeps your inventory fresh and reduces the chance of returns due to expired or outdated products. Organise your warehouse layout to support efficient picking during peak periods, especially for high-demand items.

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Use Real-Time Inventory Tracking

Visibility is key. Invest in a robust inventory management system that offers real-time updates. Knowing what’s in stock, what’s running low, and what’s moving fast allows you to stay ahead. It enables proactive restocking, minimises overselling, and gives your team and your customers the confidence that everything’s under control.

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Optimise Your Shipping & Transport

Speed matters—especially to last-minute holiday shoppers. Efficient shipping processes are non-negotiable during peak season. 3PLs who secure carrier capacity and negotiate favourable rates in advance gain a major edge. Optimising transport routes, leveraging regional fulfilment centres, and using tech to automate dispatching can all help get parcels out the door faster and more accurately.

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Final Thoughts

Managing seasonal inventory isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely doable—with the right systems, partners, and mindset in place. Whether you're a brand preparing for a Black Friday boom or gearing up for Christmas chaos, planning ahead and working with a reliable fulfilment partner can make all the difference.

At East Midlands Fulfilment Hub, we specialise in helping businesses prepare for and thrive during the busiest times of the year. Get in touch with us to discuss how we can support your seasonal success.