DHL survey addresses SMEs holiday season planning and challenges

Amid various issues and challenges, such as inflation and some areas of the supply chain, a survey issued earlier this month by global express delivery and logistics services provider DHL, found that prospects for the 2023 holiday season look encouraging.

The survey was based on feedback from more than 800 small and medium-sized enterprises (SME).

DHL observed that in recent years, SMEs have been up against a whole host of challenges, including—pandemic-driven global supply chain disruptions and labor shortages; inflation; and shifts in consumer demand—all things that have forced U.S.-based SMEs “to adapt to and navigate the changing landscape throughout the year and especially during the holidays.”

One of the survey’s biggest takeaways focused on SME holiday supply chain planning, with 37% indicating began planning for the holidays in the second quarter or even sooner. What’s more, the survey founded that 30% of SMEs said they started holiday preparations earlier than they did in 2022, in order to ensure a more seamless holiday season.

As for holiday season business challenges, 33% of respondents noted that supply chain challenges were the top concern, with inflation next, at 24%. While these two challenges remained at the top of the list, DHL found that they fell 13% and 11%, respectively, compared to 2022.

To read the complete survey, please click here.