
Conflicting Holiday Consumer Predictions Make it More Crucial for Suppliers to be Prepared
As we close out summer and begin preparation for the upcoming holiday season, one thing is for sure in this season of Covid – consumers will be spending money for the upcoming holiday season, no matter what.
According to Brandwatch, 44% of consumers think they’ll be spending less on holiday gifts and celebrations this year compared to last year. However, Net Imperative argues that 85% of retailers believe online sales will increase this holiday season compared to last and are choosing to invest more in eCommerce website upgrades in preparation for this holiday season.
With such conflicting trends, how do suppliers and 3PLs plan ahead to be ready for this holiday season?
Agile & Scalable
Lack of clarity for what’s ahead leaves the burden of preparedness on suppliers and warehouses to make sure that they have not over hired for a slow season, but are ready if consumer spending is strong and requires a quick ramp up. Autonomous processes also allow suppliers and 3PLs to maximize warehouse efficiency to deliver more accurate and on time orders each day.
Simplify with Software
Shifting from manual steps to autonomous processes with software, increases your capacity for more accurate orders without the need to hire additional staff. It also improves order accuracy up to 99% and reduces processing costs to just cents per order. Upgrading with software also optimizes on time delivery to consumers, while managing compliant retailer transactions, real-time inventory and shipping documents.
Holiday Hires
Implementing software will ensure you’re as efficient as can be, so that hiring additional staff for the holidays is minimal and cost effective. According to Inc.com, stores will require additional staff to meet the demands of curbside pickup and delivery, and recommend staffing up early since the competition will be stiff and the hiring surge could be so significant that it could affect temporary employment statistics for the fourth quarter.
Simplify with OPAL’s 4-in-1 Software Solution
EDI | Order Management |Warehouse Management | Shipping
OPAL is the innovative solution to simplify your small to mid-sized business fulfillment needs in today’s rapidly transforming retail world.
No matter what happens this holiday season – whether it is slower because consumer spending is down or you’re busier than ever drop shipping across the world to meet the holiday demand, OPAL has you covered.
To learn more on how to simplify with OPAL, click here!
Click here to book your customized demo today. We are here to support you through this time of change and are here to help you innovate and thrive!