How Can Temporary Shelter Save You During The Christmas Rush?

Although barely into autumn, supermarkets have begun to stock mince pies, online Christmas shops have already launched, and homeware stores are beginning to sparkle with lights and tinsel. 

As the Christmas season approaches, the build-up to the most commercially lucrative season heats up for both retailers and wholesalers. Preparations will be underway in businesses across the UK to accommodate increased orders, fulfilment challenges and stock ranges. 

Why is it important for businesses to plan for the Christmas season?

In the UK, the six-week period of festive shopping adds up to a huge £91 billion in spending; a number that British businesses all want a slice of. 

However, without careful planning, businesses can miss out. Without those critical weeks of sales, many smaller businesses might not survive the quieter sales months. 

Small to medium-sized retailers and wholesalers might also find that they do not have the capacity to keep up a rush of orders, nor do they have the space for extra stock. 

Delays in delivery and out-of-stock products can cost them reputation, as well as profit. Customers can lose trust and patience, perhaps cancelling orders and going elsewhere for their purchases. 

How can retail businesses prepare for the Christmas rush?

Behind the customer-facing websites and high street storefronts is a network of warehouses, sorting rooms and packing lines staffed by an army of warehouse operatives in hi-vis vests. 

Additional temporary staff can be recruited to support the busy season, but finding extra warehouse space can be tough.  

That is where a temporary PVC shelter can come to the rescue. As it is a temporary structure, the pop-up shelter does not need planning permission and can be installed and removed as demand requires. 

Unlike the capital investment and time needed for new brick-and-mortar facilities, a temporary shelter can provide the extra space needed and gives businesses flexibility that a permanent structure can not give.

How can online retailers and wholesalers use temporary shelters?

A temporary PVC shelter can be installed as an additional weatherproof building on site, adjacent to existing buildings, providing easy access for staff and deliveries. Shelters can be used for a variety of business operations, including:

Storage

With increased sales comes the need to stock larger quantities of products. Pop-up shelters can add warehouse space on top of existing storage. Ambient products can be kept safe from the winter weather until they are sold and dispatched.  

Packing

Extra orders mean more packing for warehouse operatives, and they will need the space to do it in. A temporary PVC shelter can house the packing line for order fulfilment. Lighting and heating can be installed for the comfort of workers. 

Sorting and stock management

Efficient inventory management requires space and shelving or racks. A cramped and chaotic environment can lead to miss-picks, poor stocktaking, and subsequently lost sales as a consequence.

Processing returns

Although no business wants to have returns, they do happen, and having adequate space to return wrong sizes, unfortunate gift choices and faulty goods is essential. 

Processing and inspecting returns for restock or disposal can take place in a designated area, so that damaged or used stock is not mixed with new products.