50 Best Multichannel, Retail, E-commerce and Catalog Marketing Tips of 2009

By Compiled The All About Roi Staff

42. Optimize inventory.
Take advantage of like-item historical data to drive current-day inventory forecasts. Optimize sizes down to the individual store level based on how many units that store is expected to sell. Use “open stock” inventory to supplement gaps in prepack inventory. While open-stock merchandise is expensive to handle, mixing it with prepack stock optimizes inventory by not having to mark down or liquidate.
Clarence Kelley, J.C. Penney
“4 Ways J.C. Penney Delivers a Compelling Shopping Experience,” Feb. 10, Catalog Success: Tactics & Tips