Don’t be left saying, ”we’ve never done a holiday season right” this year.

It’s easy for holiday merchandise planning to fall to the bottom of your to-do list, especially when you’re still enjoying summer festivities. But this is actually the best time to take action and get ahead, so you can account for outerwear and products with longer turn times, as well as prepare for holiday shopping.

1. The Frenzy of Holiday Shopping

The holiday season is a shopping frenzy like no other. From Black Friday to Cyber Monday and the entire lead-up to Christmas, consumers are actively seeking gifts for their loved ones, enticing deals, and exclusive merchandise. E-commerce brands that invest time and effort into well-planned product development and merchandise design stand to gain significant advantages in this bustling market. Not to mention, a lot of people like to get their holiday shopping done early and save themselves the stress. Don’t miss out on early bird shoppers, and make sure you have products ready to sell!

2. Capitalizing on Unique & Custom Products

One of the primary benefits of getting ahead of product development is the ability to create items like varsity jackets or knit sweaters that have a longer lead time. By introducing new and innovative products early, e-commerce brands can captivate their audience’s attention and create anticipation for the upcoming holiday season. Consumers love being the first to explore fresh offerings, and unique product launches allow brands to generate excitement and build a loyal customer base.

3. Ensuring Sufficient Stock and Inventory Management

A well-executed product development and merchandise design strategy enables e-commerce brands to gauge consumer interest accurately. By starting early, businesses have ample time to analyze trends, anticipate demand, and ensure sufficient stock levels. Avoiding stockouts during the holiday season is crucial, as it directly impacts customer satisfaction and overall revenue.

4. Enhancing Brand Perception and Credibility

E-commerce brands that present themselves as well-prepared and proactive during the holiday season gain a substantial advantage in terms of brand perception and credibility. Customers are more likely to trust a brand that demonstrates attention to detail and a commitment to providing high-quality products. By showcasing a thoughtfully curated holiday collection, businesses can strengthen their brand image and gain a competitive edge over rivals.

5. Allowing Time for Iteration and Improvement

Early product development and merchandise design affords you the luxury of time for iteration and improvement. No need to stress yourself out with last minute artwork revisions or garments going out of stock. By giving yourself lots of leeway, you’re able to order samples and perfect your vision before releasing to fans.

6. Navigating Supply Chain Challenges

The holiday season can be particularly challenging for supply chains, with increased demand and potential disruptions. By getting ahead in product development, e-commerce brands can collaborate closely with suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics partners to ensure smooth operations. This proactive approach helps in addressing potential supply chain bottlenecks and delivering products to customers on time.

7. Reserving Capacity

Claim your spot in the production schedule by getting your orders in before the busy season. Capacity fills up quick during the holiday season, and you don’t want to be left biting your nails and checking tracking because you cut it too close.

8. Leveraging Early Marketing Opportunities

Starting early allows e-commerce brands to plan their marketing campaigns well in advance, creating a cohesive and impactful strategy. Brands can leverage social media, email marketing, influencer partnerships, and other promotional channels to generate buzz and anticipation around their holiday collection. Start rolling out thoughtful e-blast campaigns, or countdowns on social media to bring as much attention as possible to your brand.

Read more on Holiday Marketing Tips.

Start Planning Now

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, getting ahead of product development and merchandise design for the holiday season is not just a choice; it is a necessity for success. The early bird advantage not only allows brands to surprise and impress their customers but also helps them streamline operations, enhance brand credibility, and capitalize on the festive shopping fervor. By planning well in advance, e-commerce brands can ensure a prosperous holiday season for both themselves and their loyal customers.

We can work together to get a head of products, hold production time, have visibility of SKUs that are performing well and turn around quickly to replenish and keep winning the season. This is the year we say we did this season right — we broke our records, and our customers got product in their hand swiftly, and we never had a SKU or size that was out of stock.

sales@culturestudio.net