AGR Team

Randi W. Stebbins

Randi W. Stebbins is a seasoned writer, editor, coach, and facilitator with over 15 years of experience crafting clear, compelling communication for startups, nonprofits, higher education, and international initiatives.
Critical analysis, communication, writing, coaching

More from Randi W. Stebbins

June 10, 2026
10 min read
Discover how effective demand planning helps your business balance supply with customer needs, reduce waste, and improve forecasting accuracy. This guide breaks down core strategies, best practices, and real-world tools to help you plan smarter and scale confidently.
June 8, 2026
8 min read
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.
June 3, 2026
11 min read
Most businesses accumulate SKUs over time, but more products do not always lead to better results. SKU rationalisation helps companies identify underperforming, redundant, and low-value products so they can reduce complexity, free up working capital, and improve inventory performance. This guide explains the SKU rationalisation process, key formulas, and practical frameworks used to build a healthier, more profitable product portfolio. Learn how to make data-driven decisions that improve inventory turnover, forecasting accuracy, and operational efficiency.
June 2, 2026
11 min read
Wholesale distribution remains a powerful business model, but the rules for success have changed. Demand volatility, margin pressure, and rising customer expectations are forcing wholesalers to move beyond reactive planning and manual processes. This article explores the growing gap between reactive and predictive operations, highlights the strategies used by top-performing wholesalers, and explains how better forecasting, inventory optimisation, and replenishment planning drive stronger service levels and profitability. Learn what it takes to stay competitive in an increasingly complex wholesale environment.
May 28, 2026
10 min read
Machine learning is transforming how retailers forecast demand, manage inventory, and respond to changing customer behaviour. This guide explores the most important retail use cases, from automated replenishment and assortment optimisation to pricing and supply chain planning. Learn how machine learning improves forecast accuracy, reduces stockouts, and helps retailers make faster, data-driven inventory decisions at scale. Discover the practical benefits, common challenges, and real-world examples shaping modern retail operations.
April 28, 2026
7 min read
The stock to sales ratio helps businesses understand whether inventory levels are aligned with demand. It highlights when stock is tying up too much capital or when there is a risk of stockouts. By improving forecasting, replenishment, and inventory visibility, companies can achieve a better balance between availability and efficiency. This guide explains how the ratio works, how to calculate it, and how to use it to optimise inventory performance.
April 21, 2026
7 min read
Inventory management problems can quietly drain profitability through excess stock, stockouts, and poor decision-making. These challenges often stem from the same root causes: inaccurate forecasting, limited visibility, and inefficient processes. By addressing these issues with data-driven strategies, businesses can improve stock control, reduce waste, and increase service levels. This guide explores the most common inventory problems and outlines practical ways to solve them.
April 15, 2026
9 min read
GMROI reveals how effectively your inventory is generating profit by connecting margin performance with stock investment. It helps businesses understand which products drive returns and which tie up capital without delivering value. By improving forecasting, optimising inventory levels, and focusing on high-performing SKUs, companies can strengthen profitability and cash flow. This guide explains how GMROI works and how to use it to make smarter inventory decisions.
March 30, 2026
9 min read
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.
March 23, 2026
9 min read
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.
March 18, 2026
9 min read
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.
February 17, 2026
7 min read
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.