If you’ve ever worked in retail during a peak season, you know the feeling: the orders keep coming in, the pickup queue is stacked, and your team is stretched thin. Customers want their purchases fast, and your staff is doing everything they can, but there just aren’t enough hands on deck.
It’s the reality for many retailers. Pickup order fulfillment has gone from a “nice-to-have” to an expectation, but retail labor shortages make it tough to keep up. In some markets, the hiring pool is too small. In others, competition for workers means open roles sit unfilled for weeks. When you finally get new hires in the door, training takes time — a luxury you don’t have when orders are piling up.
Even the best recruiting teams can’t create candidates out of thin air. Small towns, seasonal hot spots, and high-demand job markets can all make it nearly impossible to find the staff you need locally. Short-term roles, like those tied to holiday surges, don’t always attract enough interest.
Meanwhile, customers aren’t slowing down. Every missed pickup window or delayed order is a strike against your brand.
That’s where travel teams come in. Think of them as a fully trained, ready-to-roll crew that can be deployed anywhere they’re needed. They don’t need to be taught because they’re already experienced in pickup order fulfillment, inventory, equipment operation, and all the behind-the-scenes tasks that keep things moving.
The biggest benefits?
Whether it’s a holiday rush, a major promotion, or a sudden staffing gap, travel teams keep your retail operations running without overloading your permanent staff.
In a retail setting, travel teams can jump into almost any operational role:
Their versatility allows them to integrate seamlessly into your operation wherever needed.
At first glance, travel teams might sound like a short-term solution — something you call in during a crisis. But smart retailers are using them as part of a long-term plan.
Building travel teams into your workforce strategy lets you respond faster to demand spikes, avoid burnout in your core team, and keep service levels consistent, no matter the market.
If you’re considering travel teams, finding a partner who understands retail and can move quickly is key. Eclipse Advantage has built its reputation on deploying rapid-response travel teams that arrive fully trained, E-Verified, and ready to work — often in as little as 48 hours. Their crews integrate into store and warehouse operations, keeping orders moving and customers happy.
Because at the end of the day, protecting your brand, supporting your people, and making sure your customers get the service they expect is your number one goal.