Retailers are experiencing a dramatic shift toward new peak shopping seasons and multiple warehouse peak seasons, as Vertex Inc.’s summer consumer survey reveals that “85% of consumers begin summer shopping in late winter, creating multiple warehouse peak seasons for retailers.”

These emerging “off-peak peaks” are covering summer, back-to-school, and even Halloween—are reshaping demand planning and putting mounting pressure on retailers. They must adapt to the reality of multiple warehouse peak seasons.

The New Normal: Multiple Warehouse Peak Seasons Beyond the Holidays

Traditionally, retail’s busiest stretch ran from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. But Vertex’s 2025 survey illustrates a broader trend: escalating activity during previously quiet times, driven by price and availability concerns. More than half of consumers (53%) “purchase items earlier to avoid rising costs,” and many are switching when and how they shop to take advantage of deals and tax savings. These shifts are particularly pronounced among Millennials and Gen Z, contributing to multiple warehouse peak conditions.

Summer shopping isn’t one-dimensional:

• 76% of consumers buy summer clothing and accessories.
• 71% spent on summer hobby items.
• 65% purchase sunscreen.
• 41% pick up beach gear.
• 34% invest in water toys.

Retailers must stay agile to capture demand and not undermine the shopping experience, as multiple warehouse peak seasons become more common.

Vertex CTO, Sal Visca captures the challenge succinctly:

“Consumer-facing businesses are already navigating a complicated retail landscape in 2025. They shouldn’t also have to worry about whether their technology solutions are equipped to handle the influx of activity around peak summer shopping and seasonal promotions.”

This underscores how critical automated, precision-driven systems are for modern and competitive retail operations. Whether the operation is e-commerce, omnichannel, retail store, kiosks… or any combination, the new normal is experiencing multiple warehouse peak seasons, beyond the traditional holidays.

The survey’s data confirms that modern shoppers expect flexibility and this helps contribute to multiple warehouse peak seasons.

• 55% prefer a hybrid of in-store and online buying, exceeding online-only shoppers by 34%.

Retailers must unify the checkout experience across physical and digital touchpoints, especially during high-traffic bursts like summer sales tied to multiple warehouse peak conditions.

Adding to the pressure, 69% of consumers shop during summer holiday weekend discounts, which are part of the many warehouse peak seasons now.

Holiday shopping data shows most consumers haven’t changed spending, but over a quarter now limit purchases to essentials. Fulfillment requires nuance—shoppers are more selective and want personalized deals, smart bundles, and seamless delivery. Automation and data-driven personalization help retailers anticipate demand and boost results, essential for navigating the multiple peaks.

The ISD Advantage: Optimizing Warehouse Automation for Critical Multiple Warehouse Peak Seasons

At ISD – Integrated Systems Design, we understand the challenges highlighted by Vertex: spikes in demand, compressed selling windows, and omnichannel complexity all demand robust, accurate warehouse automation in this era of multiple peaks.

“That’s why we leverage multiple types of warehouse automation ranging from ASRS, AMRs, conveyors, sortation, GTP, warehouse software, and more using our OptimalOps-Process™, an eight-step framework built to:

• Streamline inventory handling via high-density warehouse automation systems, minimizing manual intervention during heavy peaks, including multiple warehouse peak seasons.
• Accelerate order processing and fulfillment, reducing delays in high-volume periods.
• Enhance system accuracy and reliability, ensuring each SKU is handled correctly, which is vital for customer satisfaction and profitability.
• Scale operations seamlessly, so you’re ready for both planned peaks and unexpected surges.

“Our approach aligns directly with Vertex’s advocacy for accelerated product mapping, detection of tax-holiday treatments, and seamless omnichannel performance,” said Ed Romaine, VP Marketing and Business Development at ISD.

Strategic Synergy: Technology + Automation = Compliance & Efficiency

The survey findings make it clear that multiple warehouse peak seasons are here to stay:

• Shopping peaks are no longer seasonal anomalies—they are becoming continuously unpredictable due to multiple influencing factors.

“With ISD’s systems integration expertise—spanning ASRS, Conveyors, AMRs, Robotics, Sortation, Warehouse Software, Pallet & Packaging Automation, and Order Fulfillment technologies—we transform it into a strategic advantage,” said Romaine.

At ISD – Integrated Systems Design, we help companies transform warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing, and assembly operations into engines of efficiency and growth. As a systems integrator and OEM provider of the UltraStore Mid-Load ASRS, we deliver ROI based automation solutions built on your needs and our proprietary OptimalOps-Process—an eight-step framework designed to optimize picking, sorting, packing, shipping, and assembly in the context of multiple warehouse peak seasons.

At ISD, we don’t just sell technology – we partner with you to clearly define your objectives, analyze data, and create tailored solutions that align with your business KPIs and business goals. From conveyors, robotics, ASRS, AMRs, sortation, order fulfillment, and packaging automation, we provide the tools and expertise to maximize ROI and future-proof your operations amid multiple warehouse peak conditions.

ISD – Integrated Systems Design, helps companies improve warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing operations by delivering automation solutions tailored to their needs. As a system integrator and OEM of UltraStore Mid-Load ASRS, we use our OptimalOps-Process to optimize picking, sorting, packing, shipping, and assembly. We work with you to set objectives, analyze data, and create solutions aligned with KPIs. Our expertise covers conveyors, robotics, ASRS, AMRs, sortation, fulfillment, and packaging automation to boost ROI and future-proof your business in response to ever-evolving peak season dynamics.

I welcome your questions. For more information, visit www.isddd.com or better yet, schedule a no-obligation consult to discuss your specific concerns and needs, especially in regard to handling multiple peak seasons.