easonal Inventory Planning for Shopify Stores

Seasonal demand can make or break your year. Here's how to plan inventory for peak seasons.

Step 1: Analyze Past Sales Data

Look at last year's sales by month. Identify peaks (Black Friday, Christmas, summer) and valleys.

Step 2: Forecast Demand

Multiply last year's seasonal sales by your growth rate. Add 10-20% buffer for unexpected demand.

Step 3: Calculate Order Timeline

Work backwards from your target delivery date:

• Target delivery: October 15 (for holiday season)
• Supplier lead time: 30 days
• Shipping buffer: 14 days
• Order deadline: August 31

Step 4: Place Orders Early

Suppliers get busy during peak seasons. Order 60-90 days before you need inventory.

Step 5: Have a Backup Plan

Identify backup suppliers for critical products. What if your primary supplier can't deliver?

Step 6: Monitor and Adjust

Track daily sales during peak season. Reorder fast-sellers before they run out.

PODesk automates seasonal reorder planning with velocity-based calculations.