Anna Smirnova
Be prepared with AsstrA!
Keeping up with a high-volume of orders around high-demand periods can be challenging. Effectively preparing for such events requires a logistics strategy that enables fast, consistent, and reliable delivery.
That means it is worth planning your logistics year with AsstrA now!
Anna Smirnova, Head of Industrial Project Logistics at AsstrA UK, highlights what should be on your radar for 2023.
Q1 (January–March)
Note: The best time to plan for Q1 is Q4 of the previous year!
Chinese New Year (January 22 - February 5)
This Chinese public holiday results in seven days off of work for workers, from January 21-27. Celebrations can last for more than two weeks and can cause supply chain disruptions like delays in production, transportation, and delivery.
Valentine’s Day (February 14)
Valentine’s Day is an extremely popular occasion to shower gifts on loved ones. Accordingly, logistics operators have to face an increased volume of shipments leading up to the day as shoppers make more online and traditional retail purchases from sellers who expect fast and efficient delivery of goods regardless of increased demand.
Q2 (April–June)
Easter (mid-April)
Another holiday that is a big economic driver. Proper inventory management, fulfillment processes, and promotion timing are key success factors.
Mother’s Day (May)
Mother’s Day is a very important occasion for a wide variety of brands. Logistics companies must be prepared for an increased demand for the transport of goods.
Q3 (July–September)
Grain harvesting and transport season (July-September)
Traditionally, July marks the beginning of grain harvesting and transport season. While many people are cooling off at the beach, demand for sea, road and rail transport for grain is red hot.
Q4 (October–December)
Halloween (October 31)
As Halloween approaches, marketplaces and retailers should be prepared for increased demand for products like candy, costumes, and autumnal home decor.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday (3rd Friday/Monday in November)
An efficient supply chain is critical for fast fulfillment of orders, especially when special sales are being run. Disruptions can translate into critical financial losses. It is essential to secure proper logistics support in advance of intense consumer demand on these days.
- December Holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day)
December is full of e-commerce opportunities for all brands. At this time of year, sellers of just about all consumer products, from toys to pajamas and jewelry to electronics, have what is likely to be their best shot at surpassing annual sales goals. The logistics industry starts preparing for the winter shopping season no later than November.
New Year’s Eve and Day (December 31 – January 1)
As the saying goes: new year, new me. Although the first days of the New Year are not popularly associated with shopping, just think of all those people who made New Year's resolutions. More often than not, they’ll need to buy equipment and/or tools to for self-improvement as they try to kick start new routines and focus on their health and wellness.
In conclusion, good logistics professionals are always thinking and planning a few months ahead to ensure strong supply chains. Working with them is critical to the success of sellers over the course of the year.
Author: Aneta Kowalczyk.
