Economic weakness and low consumer confidence, combined with vendor capacity/reliability, are the top threats to business success this peak season, according to the Peak Season Trends and Strategies Survey Report released Wednesday, Oct. 5, by Tompkins Supply Chain Consortium.
“What we found was not surprising, but very real, based on expectations for the upcoming holiday season,” says Chris Ferrell, director of the consortium and author of the report. “Although there are no clear forecasts for the season, companies are doing what they can to brace themselves. They need to see a profit, as well as make sure their customers are satisfied.”
The top five threats ranked by survey respondents are economic weakness and low consumer confidence; vendor capacity and reliability; forecast accuracy; inventory levels; and new products, markets and channels.
The consortium conducted the Peak Season Survey with its members online as well as during the Supply Chain Leadership Forum held recently in Florida. Nearly 80 retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers/distributors participated overall.
