The impact of having more product season on supply chain

Filed in archive Point of view on November 11, 2008

"What is the impact of having more product seasons on supply chain?"

I came across this interesting question couple of days ago: You know that in many industries, companies launch their new products based on seasons (e.G. As far as I know H&M, the apparel company launch its products in 4 seasons, Esprit in 12 seasons or every month).

Now imagine that you are working with a company which has a highly modular product (something like LEGO) and this company launches its products to retail channel in 2 seasons....(Christmas, and summer).

Does it make sense to go for more seasons...?

What do you think? I have the feeling that this is an established area within SCM ....some impacts are easier to see: e.g. INVENTORY MIGHT BE LESS, and cash to cash cycle would be shorter but I was looking for an established work, experience or research in this area; how about the other impacts on SC?

Any thoughts?