Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of Black Friday warehousing! Welcome to the heart-pounding realm where sales skyrocket, customers go wild for deals, and warehouses transform into the epicenter of retail chaos. In this blog post, we'll take you on a captivating journey, uncovering metrics, statistics, and insights into the management of warehouses during this high-stakes shopping extravaganza.
Get ready to explore the numbers that define the rhythm of Black Friday. Brace yourself for volumes of product returns, the dominance of e-commerce, and the expectations for lightning-fast same-day and next-day delivery.
But, it's not just about the numbers.
Whether you're a warehouse manager seeking insights to navigate the madness or an industry enthusiast hungry for statistics, join us as we unravel the world of Black Friday warehousing. Let's dive in and discover the secrets that make this retail extravaganza tick!
Black Friday fun facts & statistics for warehouse management
The following are ten exciting metrics about Black Friday from previous years:
+300%order volume |
1. Warehouse Operations SurgeWarehouses experience a substantial increase in operations during the Black Friday period. According to industry reports, some warehouses witness a surge in order volume by up to 300% compared to regular days. |
+576,800temp workers |
2. Hiring Spree!To meet the heightened demand, warehouses often employ a large number of temporary workers. The National Retail Federation reported that retailers hired an additional 576,800 employees during the holiday season to support their warehouse and fulfillment operations. |
10-15%returns |
3. Product Returns GaloreBlack Friday not only sees a surge in sales but also a significant rise in product returns. The National Retail Federation estimates that around 10-15% of all holiday purchases are returned, with many of these returns flowing through warehouses for processing |
$8.9 billionin online sales |
4. E-commerce DominanceE-commerce continues to gain momentum on Black Friday. In 2021, online sales reached a record high of $8.9 billion on Black Friday, with a significant portion of these orders passing through warehouses for fulfillment. This number was surpassed slightly in 2022. |
40%expect same-day delivery |
5. Same-Day and Next-Day DeliveryWith the rise of e-commerce, customers have come to expect faster delivery options. According to a survey by Adobe Analytics, 40% of Black Friday online shoppers expected same-day delivery, while 61% anticipated next-day delivery. |
6.6 millionpackages |
6. Peak Shipping VolumeBlack Friday triggers a massive surge in shipping volume. In 2021, it was estimated that UPS and FedEx collectively handled over 6.6 million packages per day during the holiday season, with many of these packages flowing through warehouses for sorting and distribution. |
30%experience challenges |
7. Inventory Planning ChallengesAccurate inventory planning becomes crucial during Black Friday. According to a survey conducted by Manhattan Associates, 30% of retailers reported inventory distortion during the holiday season, leading to challenges in order fulfillment and increased warehouse workload. |
95% !plan to invest in tech for automation |
8. Warehouse Automation AdoptionIn response to the demands of Black Friday, warehouses are increasingly adopting automation technologies. According to a survey by Zebra Technologies, 95% of warehouse decision-makers planned to invest in technology solutions such as automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence to optimize operations during the holiday season. |
78%plan to use mobile devices |
9. Mobile Technology in WarehousesMobile technology plays a significant role in warehouse management on Black Friday. The same Zebra Technologies survey found that 78% of warehouses planned to equip their workers with mobile devices to enhance productivity and real-time inventory visibility. |
1.9 billionexpected returns |
10. The Importance of Returns ProcessingEfficient returns processing is critical during the post-Black Friday period. Back in 2020, UPS estimated that January 2nd, known as "National Returns Day," saw a record-breaking 1.9 million returns, highlighting the need for streamlined warehouse processes to handle the influx of returned items effectively. |
Remember, these statistics and metrics may vary from year to year and depend on industry trends and the specific warehouse operations being considered.
Do you need help getting through Black Friday? Let's talk.
Bitlog WMS is the ultimate ally for warehouses during peak sales periods like Black Friday. With an easy-to-use mobile application and powerful order processing capabilities, it automates workflows, optimizes picking routes, and provides real-time updates on order statuses for precise and swift order fulfillment.
"The Bitlog app is best for when we enter high sales peak seasons, like the holidays, for temporary workers. Before lunch, a new employee can become familiar with the system; after lunch, they can work independently. For us, the quick training really does result in timely deliveries and happy customers."
Max Molander, Kids Brand Store
Furthermore, Bitlog WMS empowers warehouses with a robust arsenal of inventory management features, enabling them to effortlessly keep tabs on stock levels, locations, and movements in real-time, effectively warding off any dreaded stockouts.
With its seamless integration and connectivity to various systems, Bitlog WMS becomes the ultimate catalyst for accurate order processing, data-driven inventory optimization, and seamless coordination, ensuring an unparalleled, triumphant Black Friday experience through the power of data-driven decision-making.
IMPLEMENTED BITLOG FOR BLACK FRIDAY
Care of Carl: From Manual to Magical
Bitlog spoke with Magnus Olsson, Head of Logistics at Care of Carl, to learn more about how they manage peak seasons such as Black Week and Christmas shopping, and how Bitlog helps them while doing so.
Story by
The Bitlog Team