Seasonal inventory can move quickly when demand is at its highest. Holiday decorations, summer products, school supplies, winter accessories, toys, sporting goods and event-related merchandise may sell strongly for a few weeks or months. Once the peak period ends, however,...

Overstock inventory can build up quietly. A few extra cases become several pallets, seasonal products miss their selling window, or a large order is cancelled after the merchandise has already arrived. Before long, valuable warehouse space is occupied by products...

Overstock inventory does not always look like an urgent problem. The products may be new, neatly packed and technically available for sale. Because the business has already paid for them, keeping the inventory can feel safer than accepting a discounted...