Inventory Management

Phantom inventory is the hidden problem haunting retailers, creating costly disconnects between what their systems say is in stock and what’s actually on shelves. It’s a phenomenon where inventory records show products are available but the physical stock is missing, leading to stockouts, missed sales, and frustrated customers. The impact of phantom inventory goes far…

In episode 480 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Jessica Thompson, global brand president of Halara, women's activewear-inspired everyday apparel. Listen in as Thompson provides an overview of the athleisure brand (1:40), its direct-to-consumer e-commerce distribution channels (2:25), and shares her career journey that lead to her current role (3:10). She discusses the…

In today's volatile and uncertain business environment, retail supply chain executives face numerous challenges in optimizing inventory and making intelligent supply chain decisions. The ever-changing supply chain management landscape requires agility, strategic planning, and the integration of advanced technologies to stay competitive and meet evolving consumer expectations. Define Your Supply Chain Aspirations Identifying your supply…

Inventory distortion is a critical problem for retailers and, if left unaddressed, it will only worsen. The term refers to the total business costs resulting from both overstocking and stockouts. Just last year, the cost of inventory distortion in retail amounted to $1.7 trillion worldwide. Inventory distortion can significantly impact retailers’ profitability. Excess inventory leads…

The retail industry faces mounting pressure to maintain precise control over inventory as it moves through increasingly complex supply chains. Today's retailers need real-time visibility into both location and condition of goods — from distribution centers to store shelves. Traditional approaches to inventory management often create blind spots between key handoff points, leading to operational…

Retailers are under constant pressure to balance maintaining adequate stock levels with minimizing the financial burden of unsold inventory. This challenge has become even more critical in a fast-paced retail environment shaped by omnichannel demand and fluctuating customer preferences. To navigate this complexity, many retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Walgreens, are turning more to scan-based…

With the holiday season upon us, retailers are presented with one of the year’s biggest opportunities to drive revenue and customer loyalty. To master this seasonal rush, thoughtful planning across inventory, staffing, marketing and customer experience is key. Here’s how retailers can strategically navigate these elements to make the most of the holiday season. Start…

At the top of a retailer’s wish list for the holiday season would surely be that supply meets demand, particularly as the holiday season will have five fewer shopping days than other years. Many retailers are already on it with promotional offers to entice consumers into early holiday shopping. However, early promotions and seasonal spikes,…

Artificial intelligence is more than a buzzword in retail; it's a game changer. AI-powered technologies are helping retailers enhance operational efficiency and improve everything from inventory management to marketing to customer service to driving sales and margin. However, AI’s ability to work faster and more efficiently than humanly possible has led to the persistent myth…

We’ve all been there as consumers — you stop by the store to pick up three ingredients for dinner, but discover one isn’t on the shelf. You may ask customer service whether there are extras in the back, but because most retailers take a just-in-time approach to inventory management, you’re likely out of luck. Retailers…