How far ahead should I plan inventory?

At least one full lead time plus the coverage period you intend to hold, which for imported goods usually means planning four to six months out. Seasonal ranges need a full annual cycle, since the buying decision for a peak is made before the previous peak has finished reporting.

The planning horizon is set by the longest lead time in the assortment, not the average. One supplier at sixteen weeks pulls the whole calendar out to match.

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