The 2025 peak season will test every part of the supply chain. Retailers and distributors that plan early, use data to forecast accurately, and improve warehouse and delivery efficiency will be best placed to meet customer expectations. This article explores how to prepare your logistics operations for a successful Golden Quarter.
The Golden Quarter is here
Sales volumes are climbing fast as Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas approach. This period brings significant operational pressure, from warehouse congestion and inventory bottlenecks to staffing shortages and carrier capacity issues. Customers expect fast, reliable service and seamless communication at every stage. The question is, are your operations ready to deliver?
Six Key Challenges and How to Mitigate Them
1. Forecasting Demand for the Peak Season
Overestimating demand ties up capital in excess stock, while underestimating it leads to stockouts, missed sales and dissatisfied customers. Although seasonal volatility is inevitable, forecasting accuracy can be improved by:
Using your data effectively
Combine historical sales, real-time POS data and predictive analytics to produce more accurate forecasts. Modern supply chains rely on cloud-based planning and forecasting tools to support resilience and efficiency.
Collaborating closely with partners
Share demand forecasts with suppliers and logistics partners to avoid disruption. Cross-functional planning across procurement, production, finance and logistics ensures everyone can respond quickly to market changes.
2. Warehouse Capacity and Picking Efficiency
Space constraints
Extra inventory requires additional space. Review warehouse layouts to optimise flow and accessibility. Temporary mezzanines, pop-up storage, or improved slotting can increase usable capacity. Remove obsolete stock to free up valuable space.
Picking and packing
Focus on fast-moving SKUs and improve labelling to speed up order fulfilment. Use technology such as voice-activated handheld devices, barcode scanners and robotics to streamline operations.
A warehouse management system (WMS) can help track inventory, manage replenishment and control picking and dispatch processes.
3. Seasonal Labour and Cost Pressures
Staffing flexibility is critical during peak periods. Crosstrain permanent employees to handle multiple roles, and plan early with agencies for seasonal support. Budget for overtime and extra shifts and use workforce planning software to manage cost and productivity.
Retention improves when incentives and bonuses are offered. Wearable tech and mobile devices also help reduce manual effort and increase efficiency.
4. Last-Mile Delivery and Traffic Congestion
The last mile remains the most expensive and unpredictable stage of fulfilment. During Q4, limited driver availability, carrier surcharges and urban congestion are common. To reduce delays and costs:
•Use local micro-fulfilment hubs to shorten routes
•Pre-book carrier capacity early
•Adopt route optimisation tools
•Encourage click-and-collect or locker delivery
•Schedule flexible and off-peak deliveries
Reliable 3PL partnerships and data-sharing with carriers are vital for avoiding failed or late deliveries.
5. Real-Time Visibility and Performance Reporting
Maintaining service quality during busy periods depends on having live data. Automated systems can identify bottlenecks and labour shortages before they impact performance.
Integrated WMS, TMS, and IoT tracking tools give full visibility across warehousing, inventory and transport. Real-time dashboards track KPIs such as order accuracy, fulfilment speed and delivery performance.
6. Balancing Speed, Cost and Sustainability
Harness available technology
A data-driven logistics strategy helps balance cost, speed and sustainability. Route optimisation software reduces fuel use and emissions by consolidating deliveries and prioritising eco-efficient routes.
SCCG helps retailers and distributors improve forecasting, warehouse design and operational visibility. Our consultants identify inefficiencies and design solutions that enhance flexibility and reduce costs.
Comments are closed.