"For small businesses, the holiday season is both a blessing and a balancing act. From November through December, many companies earn up to 30% of their annual revenue but also experience the most intense stress on inventory, logistics, staffing, and marketing systems. The pressure to meet demand while keeping margins healthy is challenging. According to Adobe, consumer spending is forecasted to reach $253.4 billion for the 2025 holiday season."
"Businesses that thrive in the fourth quarter aren't just those that work harder; they're the ones that plan smarter. As consumer spending ramps up, here's how small business owners can strategically prepare, optimize operations, and boost seasonal sales without sacrificing sanity. Holiday readiness isn't just about inventory; it's about capacity. Businesses that plan ahead can pivot faster when unexpected demand surges."
Holiday sales can generate up to 30% of annual revenue for many small businesses while creating intense strain on inventory, logistics, staffing, and marketing. Forecasting demand using historical data and current goals reduces inventory guesswork. Securing suppliers and locking contracts early avoids higher costs and capacity issues closer to December. Building a holiday content calendar targeting Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday, and Free Shipping Day helps structure promotions. Planning should begin in late summer with strategies finalized by end of September. Emphasizing capacity planning enables faster pivots when unexpected demand surges and protects margins during peak season.
Read at Forbes
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