THE IMPACT OF SEASONALITY ON INVENTORY MANAGEMENT IN A CLOTHING COMPANY IN ITAMARAJU, BAHIA

Abstract

Inventory management represents a critical challenge for the sustainability of micro-enterprises (MSEs) in the clothing sector, especially when faced with culturally ingrained demand fluctuations. This article investigates the impact of seasonality, specifically the June festivals period, on the management practices of a clothing MSE in Itamaraju, Bahia. The central objective was to understand how the company articulates its inventory strategies in the face of this atypical demand and what operational challenges arise. The research used a qualitative approach, configured as a single case study. Data were collected through document analysis and an in-depth semi-structured interview with the business manager. The results reveal a predominantly visual and reactive management, heavily dependent on the manager's experience, but lacking formal control systems. It was found that the fear of post-seasonal obsolescence leads to conservative purchases, which, paradoxically, result in stockout costs during peak periods. It is concluded that the absence of simple forecasting and planning tools, adapted to the reality of SMEs, limits operational efficiency, highlighting the gap between intuitive management practices and resource optimization in local retail.