Which inventory is built up to smooth production in anticipation of peak seasonal demand?

• A. Safety stock
• B. WIP inventory
• C. Seasonal inventory
• D. Finished goods

Answer: (C)

Seasonal inventory is stock built up in advance of a predictable peak in demand so production can run at a steadier, more efficient pace when that peak arrives. By producing and storing finished goods during quieter periods, a company avoids rushing through production or facing shortages during the peak, smoothing output and ensuring availability when customers want more. This approach specifically targets known seasonal spikes, unlike safety stock (buffer for uncertainty), WIP (work in progress inside the plant), or finished goods (what’s already completed and ready to sell without the planning for a seasonal lift). For predictable seasonal demand, building seasonal inventory is the best way to align production with the cycle.