Home Resources Guides
Research report | 2026

Inventory trends in wholesale distribution

Hear from 100+ global distributors on staying competitive, key benchmarks and making inventory management more data-driven.
Get the full report Talk to a distribution expert

Competitive pressure is increasing supply chain complexity

70%

of respondents carrying more than 5,000 SKUs indicates distributors are stocking full ranges of products to service customers exclusively.

How many unique SKUs does your company manage per annum?

<500 5%
501 - 2K 16%
2K - 5K 12%
5K - 10K 23%
10K - 50K 33%
>50K 11%

SKU ranges are expanding.

Supplier networks are diversifying.

Inventory teams need to work closely with sales and finance so inventory management strategies can move with the market.

Get the full report
50+

suppliers reported across all size segments shows how supply chain volatility has impacted sourcing models and risk-aversion globally.

Economic conditions driving higher inventory levels

Economic uncertainty voted the most impactful challenge distributors face. Strategies are shifting in response to financial risk.

Prioritizing stock availability over cash flow reflects the trade-offs distributors are making to protect service levels.

45%

building excess inventory as a protective measure against tariff uncertainty and supply disruption.

22%

holding more than 90 days of stock. One in five don't measure coverage.

Get the full report

What is the average Days of Supply in your business? (DOS)

30 days
11%
31 - 60 days
15%
61 - 90 days
32%
91 - 120 days
9%
121 - 150 days
9%
151+ days
4%
don't know
20%

Distributors that rate their demand planning as very accurate are seeing significant performance gains

72%
report demand planning is delivering better service, cost control and commercial upside.
Get the full report

Benefits experienced with accurate demand planning

Inventory cost reduction
34%
Service levels improved
24%
Increased revenue
14%
Better pricing, rebates and terms
12%
Better budget alignment
9%
Less discounting
7%

Demand planning is the new competitive advantage. If you can't forecast accurately, planning is a moving target.

Distributors who share trusted data with suppliers don’t just get better delivery — they get leverage and stronger trade relationships.

87%

say they are sharing data to help manage their supplier performance.

Benchmark your business on key inventory metrics

Deadstock
Discounted stock
Days of supply
Inventory leakage
Cash conversion cycle

We spoke with 100+ distribution professionals from around the world to report on what is most important to the industry, right now. We hope these trends and benchmarks spark action in your companies and give you something solid to compare with your own practices.

Get the full report
Research report | 2026

Inventory trends in wholesale distribution

If products and supply chains are part of your working day – this new trends report is a must read.

We respect your privacy. By submitting this form, you agree to our privacy policy.

Inventory trends in wholesale distribution

Meet the platform built for whole distribution

Inventory management, demand planning, supplier performance and financial reporting - in one easy-to-use platform.
Talk to a distribution expert Meet the platform built for whole distribution
NewIntroducing Phocas' Sales Performance Suite: designed and built for sales teams to sell the way top performers doSee it in action