Countdown to Holiday 2022: US Inventory Oversupply Signals Highly Promotional Holiday Season

What's Inside

Many retailers placed larger inventory orders well in advance of the fourth quarter this year, learning from last year’s crunch when they were running out of stock and out of time amid the peak holiday shopping season. As part of our 10-week Countdown to Holiday 2022 series, we assess the impact of the supply chain crisis and excess inventory issues on major US retailers this year. 

Data in this report are:

• US inventory-to-sales ratios

• Retailers’ recent commentary regarding inventory levels

Companies mentioned in this report are: Costco, Levi’s, NIKE, Skechers, Tractor Supply, VF Corporation

Other relevant research:

• 2Q22 US Retail Inventory Tracker: Heading into the Second Half with Inventories Up Strongly
• All coverage of US holiday retail