Final answer:
Zara's supply chain strategy includes matching customer demand, longer lead times for store order fulfillment, online sales, and production in advance of the selling season.
Step-by-step explanation:
Zara's supply chain strategy involves several key components:
- Results in supply more closely matching customer demand: Zara uses a fast-fashion model that allows them to quickly respond to changes in customer preferences and produce items that are in high demand.
- Results in longer lead times for store order fulfillment: Zara's strategy involves shipping items from centralized distribution centers, which can result in longer lead times for stores to receive their orders.
- The purely online sales model reduces costs: Zara has a strong online presence, which eliminates the costs associated with maintaining brick and mortar stores.
- High volume but low-cost apparel requires production well in advance: Zara produces its apparel well in advance of the selling season to ensure they have enough stock to meet customer demand.