How to prepare your warehouse for the summer sales in 8 steps

Summer sales are one of the busiest periods for e-commerce and logistics. During this time, millions of orders are placed in a short timeframe, creating a surge in demand that tests the preparation and efficiency of logistics operators, warehouses and carriers.

Sales can increase by up to 30% during the first week of summer promotions, according to retail industry data. This makes having a perfectly synchronized logistics operation essential to respond without delays or errors.

So, what are the key strategies to manage these peaks effectively and ensure a seamless customer experience?

1. Early planning based on data

Logistics success during sales season starts weeks in advance. Analyzing historical data, consumption patterns, and seasonal trends allows companies to forecast demand and adapt operations accordingly. Predictive analytics tools help adjust inventory levels, schedule staff shifts, identify high-activity zones, and allocate resources efficiently.

2. Extra staffing and extended hours

Handling peak activity requires additional staff and longer preparation and dispatch shifts. This prevents bottlenecks and ensures a steady flow of warehouse operations. Some companies hire temporary workers or implement night shifts to handle the increased demand.

3. Automation and operational efficiency

Technology is essential during high-demand periods. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) like IzyPro help prioritize orders, optimize internal routes, minimize travel time, and reduce errors. Automating tasks such as order picking or label printing saves time per operation and boosts productivity.

4. Smart inventory management

Avoiding stockouts is crucial to prevent lost sales. A robust WMS enables real-time inventory tracking, automatic replenishment alerts, and multi-channel order management. Multi-client or omnichannel warehouses benefit particularly from collaborative portals like IzyWeb, which give their customers total visibility of their stocks, and enable them to generate orders directly without calling the warehouse. Orders are automatically entered into the WMS, with no additional human intervention required.

5. Flexible and scalable delivery options

Customers’ expectations during sales are high: they want to be able to find their favorite items in the stores, but they also want to receive their orders quickly, at a good price and without incident. Offering various delivery options (standard, express, pick-up points) helps distribute the logistics load and improves the shopping experience. It’s also essential to have backup carriers or flexible last-mile solutions to absorb demand peaks.

6. Enhanced customer support

High order volumes often lead to more customer queries and issues. Having an efficient support system, including 24/7 service if needed, improves customer satisfaction and eases the burden on internal teams. Automated notifications on order status help manage expectations.

7. Logistics consulting to handle demand peaks

Working with logistics experts helps plan better for sales campaigns. At ACSEP, we support our clients with operational consulting, training, and technical assistance to optimize every part of their supply chain. With experience in over 500 logistics platforms, we can help identify bottlenecks, tailor the WMS to your needs, and prepare your warehouse for maximum performance.

8. A strong logistics system makes the difference

The case of Premier Air Courier International shows how technology improves logistics performance. Since implementing the IzyPro WMS and the IzyWeb collaborative portal, their warehouses in France give clients real-time access to stock and full ordering autonomy. According to Barthélémy Leconte, Logistics Director at the company:
“Today, over thirty clients and more than 150 users connect to IzyWeb daily. This tool has been key to boosting our efficiency and reducing response times.”

Conclusion

Summer sales are a logistics challenge, but also a great opportunity to build customer loyalty and improve business outcomes. With proper planning, advanced technology, and expert support, it’s possible to turn demand peaks into a competitive advantage.

Want to get your logistics ready for demand surges? Discover how ACSEP can help you anticipate and respond effectively during the summer sales.