Your Step-by-Step Guide to Black Friday Successful Logistics

As the retail world braces for its busiest season, Black Friday remains the cornerstone of year-end commerce, and now is the perfect time to start preparing. In this article, we explore the history of Black Friday, review key figures from last year, and provide an action plan to help you make this year’s event your most successful yet.

What is Black Friday?

The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1980s by American police to describe the traffic congestion caused by post-Thanksgiving shopping. Since then, it has evolved into one of the most significant retail events worldwide. Its online counterpart, Cyber Monday, has become equally prominent for e-commerce activity.

Many consumers now begin their festive shopping earlier in the season, and while Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping period, it also represents a major opportunity for businesses to drive sales. This year, Black Friday falls on 28th November, with many promotions expected to begin in mid-November.

Black Friday is no longer just a one-day affair. It has become a multi-week logistical marathon, testing the resilience and agility of global supply chains. For professionals in warehousing, logistics, and supply chain management, the 2025 edition is expected to be the most demanding yet – more technologically driven, fast-moving, and margin-sensitive than ever before.

What Black Friday 2024 Taught Us

If 2024 was any indication, the stakes are only getting higher, and now is the time to prepare. The data from last year paints a clear picture of accelerating demand and evolving consumer behaviour:

• Last year, the global Black Friday spending reached $74.4 billion, up 5% from 2023.

• Black Friday online sales in the United States hit $10.8 billion in 2024, a 10.2% increase from the previous year.

• Over 169 million shoppers participated in the U.S. over the Black Friday weekend, while the resurgence in in-store shopping was evident: 63% of holiday shoppers engaged both online and in-store, according to the National Retail Federation forecasts.

• According to Adobe, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, online shoppers were spending an average of $11.3 million per minute.

• Mobile shopping remained dominant, accounting for 69% of global purchases on Black Friday.

These figures underscore a fundamental shift: omnichannel logistics is no longer simply a competitive advantage, but a new standard. Businesses must now prioritise speed, scalability, and flexibility across every point in their supply chain to remain resilient and responsive during peak periods.

Seven Tactics to Prepare for Black Friday

1. Lock in Carrier Capacity Early

Don’t wait. Pre-book capacity now, especially for your high-velocity SKUs. Renegotiate Service Level Agreements (SLAs), optimise parcel routing and build in pricing contingencies.

2. Build Flex-Warehouse Options

Consider short-term warehousing in high-demand zones, such as “pop-up distribution centres” with pre-positioned stock, to reduce last-mile transit time and cost.

3. Automate for Accuracy & Speed

From AI-powered picking systems to automated inventory tracking, invest in tech that boosts efficiency. Even a 1-second savings per pick can scale dramatically.

4. Enhance Forecasting Models

Use predictive analytics fueled by 2024 data, blended with AI demand sensing, to anticipate category-level swings. Tie forecasts to lead times for sourcing.

5. Prepare for Returns From Day 1

Returns logistics must be efficient, sustainable, and seamless (read more about it HERE). Pre-build return workflows and have refurbish and repack protocols ready.

6. Train & Augment Your Workforce

Seasonal labour is still critical. Cross-train full-timers, use digital training tools for temps, and explore wearable tech for real-time task optimisation.

7. Stress-Test Your Systems

Simulate peak week operations: run dry-runs for order spikes, supplier delays, and system outages. Don’t just assume your Warehouse and Transportation Managing Systems can handle it.

Your Black Friday 2025 Checklist

✅ Inventory: Finalise Black Friday SKUs & safety stock levels.

✅ Warehousing: Reorganise for pick-path efficiency & velocity zones.

✅ Transportation: Book carriers & confirm holiday rate surcharges.

✅ Technology: Test WMS, OMS, and automation integrations.

✅ Workforce: Hire temps, train on new workflows, prep peak rosters.

✅ Reverse Logistics: Streamline returns, define SOPs, partner with refurb partners.

✅ Sustainability: Measure packaging impact & reduce emissions where possible.

Black Friday 2025: Precision = Profit

Like it or not, Black Friday has cemented its place in the global retail calendar. As more businesses adapt their strategies to join the frenzy, the event continues to grow in scale and complexity. Its massive popularity places intense demands on logistics and global supply chains. However, with thoughtful planning and strategic analysis, retailers can navigate these challenges and unlock substantial rewards.

2025 will be the year where logistics excellence decides who makes margin and who loses it. From the loading dock to the customer's doorstep, every second, SKU, and scan matters. Don't just survive Black Friday – engineer your supply chain to outperform on cost, speed, and customer delight.

If you're preparing for Black Friday and the holiday season, reliable logistics support can make all the difference. KATA Global Logistics specialises in tailored solutions that adapt to shifting market demands. With a strong focus on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction, KATA helps clients navigate the complexities of peak seasons with confidence.

Contact KATA today to ensure a successful Black Friday and holiday season!