Developing a Supply Chain Network Strategy
By Charles Fallon August 14, 2017 | 4 min read When business is expanding, it’s easy to be lured…
Blog
December 17, 2024
Key Holiday Insights to Jumpstart Your 2025 Peak Season Strategy
Vivi Tran Lynch
Tactical Tuesday
December 17th | 2 min read
Supply Chain Planning – Reflect, Reset, and Prepare for 2025
Here’s my last Tactical Tuesday post for the year!
We’re finally at the last stretch of the holiday peak sales season. While the break will be a much-needed reward, it’s never too early to start strategizing for next year. Here are some key insights and trends to keep on your radar to jumpstart 2025:
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Proactive Planning Pays Off
The looming October port strike pushed many retailers to act early, developing contingency plans well ahead of time. This proactive approach helped extend and boost the holiday sales period, even with the condensed Thanksgiving-to-Christmas window. The lesson? Forward-planning has impact beyond the direct issue you’re trying to address.
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Fulfillment Networks Deliver Results
Major carriers and fulfillment providers have reported strong “on-time” performance this peak season, thanks to improved capacity planning and a focus on operational efficiency via automated solutions. In 2025, consider opportunities to utilize technology to drive continual operational improvement and how to strengthen partnerships with logistics providers to maintain performance.
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Tariff Threats Drive Inventory Shifts
With fears of new tariffs on the horizon, many retailers are opting to pull inventory in earlier. While port congestion and manufacturing capacities are critical considerations, managing increased inventory levels on-site and shifts in the fulfillment landscape are also crucial to planning. Looking ahead, how will your team balance storage, space utilization, and carrying costs in the face of future disruptions?
Vivi Lynch is a Managing Director based in LIDD’s Los Angeles office. She is a leader in LIDD’s Strategy and Operations practice. Vivi’s expertise is in developing supply chain strategies for omni-channel retailers, optimizing distribution networks, and scaling business infrastructure for the next stage of growth. Prior to joining LIDD, Vivi held Senior Executive operations roles and led complex transformations at multiple public consumer companies. She serves as an advisor for high-growth brands. She has deep expertise in driving operational excellence and managing growth, turnarounds, portfolio operations, and exit-planning.
Looking Forward
The lessons from this year’s peak season highlight the critical role of supply chain planning in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. Proactive strategies, efficient fulfillment networks, and smart inventory management are not just solutions for the holiday season—they’re essential year-round.
As you gear up for 2025, focus on enhancing your supply chain planning processes to handle disruptions, improve efficiency, and maintain flexibility. Whether it’s adopting new technologies, optimizing partnerships, or preparing for market shifts, a robust strategy will set your business apart.
Want to take your planning to the next level? Explore how LIDD’s supply chain planning expertise can help.
Ready to start planning for 2025?
To support your preparations for 2025, LIDD is partnering with Shipware for a special webinar this February. We’ll cover actionable strategies to optimize your peak season operations, enhance fulfillment performance, and navigate the ever-changing logistics landscape.
Save Your Spot: Join the LIDD x Shipware Webinar in February 2025
Stay ahead, stay prepared, and make 2025 your most successful year yet!
Keywords: Supply Chain Planning, Peak Season Planning, Supply Chain, Operations Planning, Business Planning, Order Planning, Demand Planning
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