Why brands source early for Black Friday 2025?
Black Friday is the most critical sales period of the year. In 2024, U.S. shoppers spent over $9.8 billion online, 7.5% more than in the previous year. To meet that kind of demand, brands must start sourcing and planning months ahead.
Early sourcing for Black Friday 2025 helps avoid delays, manage costs, and secure factory slots before production peaks. The earlier you start, the better your chances of staying in stock when orders surge.
Key takeaways:
Brands that plan three to six months before Black Friday secure better pricing, production slots, and avoid costly delays.
Overbuying ties up cash, but underestimating can cost sales. Early planning keeps you in control.
Combining domestic and overseas manufacturing builds flexibility, lowers risk, and ensures smooth fulfillment when demand spikes.
Platforms like THE/STUDIO help brands source custom products and manage global manufacturing efficiently.
Why is early inventory planning critical for Black Friday?
Black Friday can make or break your Q4 revenue. Without proper planning, you risk missing out on sales, or worse: sitting on piles of unsold stock.
Early planning gives you the power to forecast demand, align with suppliers, and source materials before prices rise. When you plan ahead, you have a clear roadmap to handle last-minute logistics.
Ask yourself: Do I know exactly how much inventory I’ll need? If not, it’s time to start planning. Brands that prepare three to six months early often report fewer stockouts, faster fulfillment, and higher profits during peak season.
What to expect from Black Friday in 2025?
Black Friday 2025 will be driven by AI-powered personalization, faster logistics, and early online promotions. Shoppers will expect seamless omnichannel experiences (buying both in stores and online) and tailored recommendations.
According to Forbes, brands that use Gen AI tools for forecasting and personalization will gain a competitive edge. Timing, communication, and customer trust will define success more than deep discounts.
Is your brand ready to deliver speed, personalization, and reliability all at once? The winners in 2025 will be the ones who plan strategically.
💡 See also: 7 Black Friday marketing ideas for online stores.
How to prepare your inventory for Black Friday?
Preparing for Black Friday means balancing speed, accuracy, and supply chain efficiency. You need enough stock to meet demand, but not so much that it sits unsold.
Think of it like a puzzle: sourcing, production, logistics, and storage must all align perfectly. Here’s how to get ready:
Start sourcing early: Secure production slots before factories hit capacity.
Use data forecasting: Analyze past sales to predict demand accurately.
Diversify suppliers: Combine domestic and overseas sourcing to reduce risk.
Optimize storage: Pre-position inventory near major markets for faster shipping.
Test logistics: Run small-scale shipments to identify weak points early.
Platforms like THE/STUDIO make it easy to source custom products, connect with suppliers, and coordinate production timelines. When you plan early and stay flexible, you’re ready to meet demand the moment it hits.
💡 See also: holiday manufacturing deadlines every brand should know.
Where to source products for Black Friday?
When the holiday rush hits, you’ll need suppliers who can scale fast while maintaining quality. That’s where smart sourcing comes in.
THE/STUDIO connects brands with a global network of verified manufacturers for apparel, accessories, and custom packaging. Whether you need quick-turn domestic production or cost-efficient overseas sourcing, having multiple partners ensures smoother fulfillment when sales spike.
Ask yourself: If my best-selling item doubles in demand next month, can my supplier meet this increase? If not, it’s time to expand your sourcing strategy.
💡 Learn more about how to choose the right manufacturing partner.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start my Black Friday sales?
Most brands now launch sales two to three weeks before Black Friday. Starting early helps spread out demand, reduce pressure on fulfillment, and attract early shoppers who want to avoid last-minute rushes. It also gives you more time to track performance and adjust inventory or pricing as needed.
How early should I source products for Black Friday?
Start sourcing three to six months in advance to secure factory capacity and materials. Domestic suppliers can turn around faster, while overseas manufacturers often need longer times due to shipping and customs. Early sourcing also grants better pricing and avoids last-minute production bottlenecks during the global holiday rush.
How do I avoid stockouts?
Stay ahead with smart planning and clear communication to avoid stockouts. Otherwise, it can hurt your sales.
Tips to avoid stockouts:
Forecast early: Use sales data and trends to predict demand accurately.
Set safety stock levels: Keep extra inventory for top-selling items.
Diversify suppliers: Combine domestic and overseas partners to reduce risk.
Track inventory in real time: Use tools that alert you before stock runs low.
Communicate: Stay in touch with your manufacturers and shipping partners to catch issues early.
Plan reorder points: Schedule restocks based on production and delivery lead times.
How much extra inventory should I buy for Black Friday?
Plan for about 15–25% more inventory than your typical sales volume. Use last year’s numbers to guide your forecast and adjust for growth or new product launches. Always factor in longer lead times, possible shipping delays, and returns when estimating how much to order.
How do I plan for returns after Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Returns spike after major sales events, so planning ahead keeps operations smooth and customers happy.
Tips to manage returns effectively:
Create a clear return policy: Make terms simple and visible before checkout.
Automate the process: Use software to handle restocks, labels, and refunds quickly.
Train your support team: Prepare for higher customer inquiries and returns volume.
Reserve warehouse space: Set aside an area for returned goods to prevent clutter.
Inspect and restock fast: Re-list items in sellable condition to recover revenue quickly.
Analyze return data: Identify patterns in sizing, quality, or product descriptions to reduce future returns.
Final thoughts
Black Friday 2025 is more than just deep discounts. For brands, it’s about preparation, timing, and smart sourcing. The successful businesses will be the ones that plan early, forecast demand accurately, and build flexible supply chains.
Start sourcing months in advance, diversify your suppliers, and make data-driven decisions.
The rise of on-demand manufacturing gives businesses new ways to respond to demand in real time. With partners like THE/STUDIO, you can confidently source, manufacture, and stay ahead of every Black Friday rush.
