{"id":12340,"date":"2021-11-05T09:00:50","date_gmt":"2021-11-05T09:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.parcelpending.com\/?p=12340"},"modified":"2023-03-28T21:01:34","modified_gmt":"2023-03-28T21:01:34","slug":"is-your-store-prepared-for-the-upcoming-holiday-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.parcelpending.com\/en-us\/blog\/is-your-store-prepared-for-the-upcoming-holiday-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Store Prepared for the Upcoming Holiday Season?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every year, the holidays mark the time of year when consumers become less frugal and more impulsive \u2013 but there’s never been a year quite like this. Shipping bottlenecks and other supply chain woes are hitting retailers right where it counts: inventory.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s because of these\u00a0<\/span>supply chain issues<\/span> that shoppers will turn to in-store shopping to ensure they can get the decorations, supplies, and gifts they need this holiday season. While some shoppers may demand delivery or other contactless shipping methods, one question tops all others: is your store prepared?<\/span><\/p>\n

Ongoing Impact of Supply Chain and Delivery Bottlenecks<\/span><\/h2>\n

The recent headlines showcasing ports with numerous ships waiting to dock are only the most visible signs of challenges facing the supply chain. Not so visible challenges include\u00a0<\/span>factory shutdowns<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>chip shortages<\/span>1,2<\/sup>. Together, these strains are crippling an already brittle supply chain \u2013 and it’s expected to last well into 2022.<\/span><\/p>\n

Families that are used to waiting till later in the shopping season to begin purchasing holiday gifts will feel the pressure. Manufacturing phases and delivery methods aren’t as fast this year as consumers are used to, and holiday shoppers should expect packages may not arrive before the holidays. Savvy shoppers will be descending on physical retail shops in hopes of finding those sought-after gifts. As a retailer, you can prepare by ensuring you have the inventory you need and that you offer the type of shopping experience shoppers are looking for, such as in-store pickup, curbside, and delivery.<\/span><\/p>\n

Deloitte’s Vice Chairman of Retail, Rod Sides, says this year’s\u00a0<\/span>holiday shopping won’t wait<\/span> till Black Friday and shoppers will have their lists checked off weeks earlier than in previous years3<\/sup>. Carriers and retailers normally wait until around the second week of November to bring on holiday staff \u2013 this jump-start on and extension of the holiday shopping season means retailers must address holiday staffing earlier, properly train staff quickly, and ensure that this year’s in-store customer experience is better than ever.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shoppers are Ready for In-Store Experiences<\/span><\/h2>\n

Consumers are ready to ditch their couches and herald in the season with a mall visit or two. In-person shopping boosts spending, meaning impulse buying is almost a certainty, which is a 180-degree turnaround from last season when eCommerce thrived.\u00a0<\/span>In-store spending could grow<\/span> 6.6% over 20204<\/sup>. This is due to the average consumer spending the last 18 months or so confined to their home, not spending as much on luxury purchases \u2013 people just want “to get out and shop” says Mastercard’s Steve Sadove. The payments company also predicts:<\/span><\/p>\n