In the months leading up to the festive season, companies worldwide must cope with tighter shipping schedules, delayed manufacturing timelines, and the complex task of securing enough inventory to satisfy heightened demand. For SA retailers, the situation is aggravated by the country's reliance on international suppliers and the challenges posed by local infrastructure. Port congestion at big hubs such as Durban and Cape Town is a persistent problem, especially given it coincides with much of our agricultural exports harvest season, leading to delays in receiving goods. A pertinent case study is that of SA e-commerce giant Takealot, which experiences considerable demand spikes during Black Friday and the festive season. Takealot's revenue almost tripled in the three years since the pandemic.