Inventory Management

Import cargo at the nation’s major container ports is expected to see a surge through this summer as retailers take advantage of a 90-day reduction in tariffs that were recently imposed on China, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates. According to NRF Vice President for…

With today’s volatile trade landscape and unpredictable global supply chain disruptions, e-commerce retailers can’t risk alienating customers — or leaking profits — through stockouts. Yet overselling remains a serious problem, with 40 percent of sellers cancelling one in 10 orders and the cost of out-of-stocks estimated at $1.2 trillion in 2024. Overselling occurs when demand…

Global health and wellness leader GNC is always searching for ways to streamline its operations and better serve its customers. The retailer provides a wide variety of science-based products and solutions through company-owned retail locations, domestic and international franchise locations, digital commerce, and strong wholesale and retail partnerships across the globe. In 2024, GNC began…

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…