16 May 2025

Retailers Begin Q4 Peak Planning Earlier Than Ever

Major Australian retailers initiating 2025 holiday season planning in May, citing supply chain lead times and capacity constraints.

newsretaillogistics

Australian retailers are beginning their 2025 holiday season logistics planning months earlier than historical norms, with major brands finalising Q4 fulfilment strategies in May.

Driving Factors

Extended Lead Times

  • Shipping schedules: Container bookings filling 4+ months ahead
  • Inventory positioning: Longer planning horizons required
  • Carrier capacity: Peak season surcharges announced earlier

Capacity Constraints

  • 3PL availability: Premium warehouse space largely committed
  • Labour planning: Earlier recruitment timelines
  • Technology implementations: Longer integration windows

Planning Priorities

Retailers report focusing on:

  1. Inventory positioning - Pre-staging stock in regional DCs
  2. Carrier diversification - Reducing single-carrier dependency
  3. Capacity reservations - Locking in 3PL commitments
  4. Technology readiness - System upgrades before freeze periods

3PL Response

Fulfilment providers are:

  • Offering early-commitment discounts
  • Requiring longer contract terms for peak capacity
  • Investing in temporary facility expansions
  • Hiring and training earlier in the year

Implications

The trend suggests peak season has evolved from a Q4 event to a year-round planning exercise, with successful outcomes requiring earlier and more detailed preparation.