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In-depth insights from managing supply chains for over 25+ years

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June 8, 2026
8 min read

What Is the Retail Inventory Method? Formula & Examples

The retail inventory method helps retailers estimate inventory value without conducting a full physical stock count. This guide explains how the method works, how to calculate ending inventory using the cost-to-retail ratio, and where it fits within modern retail operations. You'll also learn the advantages and limitations of the approach, how it compares to FIFO and other valuation methods, and why many retailers are moving beyond estimation with forecasting, replenishment, and inventory planning software. Whether you're in finance, inventory management, or retail operations, understanding the retail inventory method provides valuable context for making smarter inventory decisions.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
What Is the Retail Inventory Method? Formula & Examples
Assortment Planning in Retail: The Complete Guide
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March 30, 2026
9 min read

Assortment Planning in Retail: The Complete Guide

Assortment planning in retail determines which products you sell, where you sell them, and how well your inventory performs. This guide explains how retailers balance product variety, demand, and profitability through structured assortment strategies. It covers key components such as SKU selection, localisation, and seasonality, alongside a step-by-step planning process. You will also learn how assortment decisions connect to forecasting and replenishment, and how modern software improves accuracy and efficiency. The result is a clearer approach to reducing excess stock, avoiding stockouts, and driving stronger retail performance.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
Retail Metrics: The KPIs That Drive Performance and Profitability
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March 23, 2026
9 min read

Retail Metrics: The KPIs That Drive Performance and Profitability

Retail metrics provide a clear view of how your business performs across sales, operations, customers, and inventory. This guide explains the key KPIs retailers rely on to measure efficiency, profitability, and demand alignment. It places particular focus on inventory metrics such as turnover, sell-through rate, GMROI, and days inventory outstanding, which directly impact cash flow and stock performance. You will also learn how to prioritise the right metrics, overcome common tracking challenges, and turn insights into better planning decisions. By understanding these metrics, retailers can improve availability, reduce excess stock, and drive more profitable growth.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
retail demand prediction using machine learning
March 18, 2026
9 min read

Retail Demand Prediction Using Machine Learning

Retail demand prediction using machine learning enables businesses to analyse large volumes of data, identify complex demand patterns, and generate accurate forecasts at SKU, store, and channel level. By incorporating factors such as promotions, pricing, seasonality, and external signals, machine learning models continuously improve over time and adapt to changing conditions. This approach supports more precise replenishment planning, reduces stock imbalances, and helps align inventory with real customer demand across increasingly complex retail environments.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
AI Just Because You Can Build It Doesn’t Mean You Should
March 10, 2026
7 min read

Just Because You Can Build it Doesn’t Mean You Should

Many organisations are eager to build their own AI tools simply because the technology makes it possible. However, building custom solutions often introduces hidden complexity, ongoing maintenance costs, and long-term technical debt. This article explores why the ability to build does not always justify doing so. It explains how companies can evaluate whether to build or buy AI solutions, highlights the trade-offs involved, and offers a practical perspective on choosing the option that delivers the most value.
By Halla María Hjartardóttir Halla María Hjartardóttir
Retail Inventory Management: 5 Best Practices to Optimise and Master Inventory
February 17, 2026
7 min read

Retail Inventory Management: 5 Best Practices to Optimise and Master Inventory

Discover five retail inventory management best practices that help you improve availability, reduce risk, and protect margins at scale. From inventory visibility and automated replenishment to smarter forecasting and structured review processes, this guide explains how to move from reactive firefighting to data-driven control. Learn how to turn inventory into a strategic asset that supports profitability and customer satisfaction.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins
Retail Replenishment: The solution for optimal inventory management
February 5, 2026
8 min read

Retail Replenishment: The Solution for Optimal Inventory Management

Retail replenishment is the process of keeping the right products available across stores and channels without tying up unnecessary capital. It sits at the core of effective retail inventory management, helping businesses balance availability, cost control, and customer expectations. By applying the right replenishment strategies, retailers can reduce stockouts, limit excess inventory, and improve cash flow while responding to demand volatility, promotions, and short product lifecycles. Modern retail replenishment combines data-driven planning, automation, and inventory visibility to support consistent decision-making across locations and channels.
By Randi W. Stebbins Randi W. Stebbins

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