In recent years, Black Friday has become one of the busiest
retail events in the UK calendar, and 2025 will be no exception. While this
period brings significant opportunities, it also poses challenges for retailers
and warehouses, as customer expectations for stock availability, fast delivery,
and smooth returns create increased pressure on operations. So, how can
businesses prepare their inventory and operations for success this November?
Forecast Demand – Past sales data is an extremely
valuable tool for predicting likely demand. Utilising last year’s data along
with factoring in current trends enables businesses to accurately forecast
demand, allowing the right stock to be secured and overstocking and stockouts
to be avoided.
Audit and Organise Stock in Advance – Carrying out a
stock audit now allows you to ensure that what is in your system matches what
is on your shelves. For warehouse and stockroom environments, this is also the
time to reorganise layouts so that fast-moving items are easy to access,
avoiding unnecessary chaos later down the line.
Prepare for Returns – Studies show that UK shoppers are
among some of the most frequent returners in Europe, with research indicating
that more than half of online shoppers have returned purchases. That is why
having a smooth, well-planned returns process is critical during and after
Black Friday. Planning for returns is not just about customer service but also
protecting your inventory flow. A smooth returns process keeps stock moving
back into circulation quickly, allowing for freed up storage and increased
profits.
Empower Your Team – Seasonal staff can play a huge
role during peak trading. Invest time early on in training temporary workers, and
ensure all teams, from warehouses to shop floor, are aligned on processes,
assign clear roles, and ensure the highest level of communication during this
time to improve operational efficiency and keep operations moving effectively.
This time of year can be daunting for many retailers, but with
the right preparation it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By forecasting
demand, preparing stock, and strengthening operational resilience, UK retailers
and warehouses can not only survive the surge, but thrive during Black Friday
2025.
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