Pier 1 Builds its Own Systems, Takes a New Look at SKUs

To manage SKU plans and forecasts across its brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce business, Pier 1 custom built a proprietary planning system tailored to the "unique complexities" of its business and flexible enough to accommodate future growth. When designing the new system, the retailer factored in its six DCs and the various transit times necessary to maintain optimal inventory levels at each, plus ocean transit and vendors' lead times, Michael Benkel, EVP of planning and allocation, said on a recent analyst call.