Ecommerce Leaders Adjust Inventory Strategies Amid Tariffs and AI Investments
Clearco's latest report reveals that 93% of ecommerce leaders have changed their inventory strategies in the past year, driven by factors such as tariffs, artificial intelligence (AI), and omnichannel expansion. The survey highlights a lack of consensus among brands on how to manage these challenges—some are increasing safety stock while others reduce inventory levels or place smaller orders more frequently. Andrew Curtis, CEO of Clearco, emphasized that the traditional playbook for growth is shifting toward financial flexibility rather than rigid capital planning. The report also notes that access to capital remains relatively easy, with 87% of respondents able to secure funding within four weeks. However, challenges such as inflation, rising input costs, and trade policy changes are complicating efficient use of capital. Tariffs and supply chain issues emerged as the top source of uncertainty for growth planning. AI is also becoming a key investment area, particularly in forecasting and customer acquisition strategies. Ecommerce brands continue to expand beyond direct-to-consumer (DTC) models, with only 13% not planning additional channel expansion. The findings underscore an evolving landscape where agility and strategic resource allocation are critical for success.
Topics: AI capital_access ecommerce fintech inventory_strategy