Abstract: There are provided systems and methods relating to regulating merchandise received at distribution centers. In one form, the system includes: a distribution center for storing various types of merchandise, and purchase orders for projected incoming merchandise to be delivered on projected delivery dates from vendors to the distribution center. The system also includes a control circuit configured to: receive a merchandise capacity limit for one or more storage areas for a future target date; determine a projected amount of merchandise present at the storage area(s) for the future target date; compare the projected amount of merchandise to the merchandise capacity limit; if the projected amount of merchandise does not exceed the limit, transmit the purchase orders to the corresponding vendors; and if the projected amount of merchandise exceeds the limit, apply prioritization criteria to adjust some of the purchase orders and defer the projected delivery dates for those purchase orders.