The seasonal rush is something every retail butcher and smallgoods manufacturer will be familiar with, having experienced the uptick of customer demand associated with school holidays, the festive season and summer. Anticipation and preparation are essential to successfully managing the rush, and walking the line between ordering enough and over-ordering, while maintaining quality and service.
HOLIDAY PREP CHECKLIST FOR BUTCHERS AND RETAILERS
Plan early and forecast demand
“Analyse your orders from the previous year, especially the last four months,” recommends Bunzl’s Business Development Manager – Processor and Industry, John Berry. “And consider adding volume for expected growth based on what your high-demand products have been over previous years.” Encouraging your customers to place orders well in advance will mean you can start building a picture early on of what demand will look like.
Be prepared for the unexpected
“We always get eleventh-hour calls for something,” Berry says. “And while it’s not always possible to meet everyone’s last-minute demands, it’s worth planning for them so you can satisfy as many of your customers as possible.” The best way to do this? Order early! “At least that way if you get unexpected requests from customers, you’re more likely to have the right stock,” Berry adds. “Leave it too late, and there’s no chance of a delivery in time.”
Listen to your customers
Whether you do it informally via in-store chats, or more systematically with surveys, your customer is always your best source of information on what you’ll need to have in stock. “Customer feedback is essential to doing the festive period right,” Berry says. “The trick is to keep those core products readily available while also being alert to changing trends and new product variations.”
Maintain relationships across your supply chain
Building positive relationships with suppliers across the year will stand you in good stead when it comes to busy times, especially if you have to make some last-minute requests. “Work closely with your suppliers. They can help ensure you get consistent deliveries on time, manage inventory, and minimise disruptions,” Berry recommends. It’s also worth talking to them about upcoming trends and any shifts in demand they’ve noticed.
Streamline operations
Think about what you can do in advance to optimise workflows for maximum efficiency without compromising on quality. It could be prepping cuts and packaging or scheduling extra staff for busy days. “The more you can prepare ahead of customers walking through the door, the more smooth your operation,” Berry explains.
The holidays should be a time for everyone to enjoy and ease through relatively relaxed and stress-free – and a successful festive season can set up a retailer for a strong year ahead, making it essential to get things right and ensure your experience is as positive as your customers’.
