Inventory Management

By now, retailers are used to disruption — from the pandemic to the Red Sea shipping crisis, instability has become the norm. This year, tariffs may cast a shadow over the holiday shopping season, creating more volatility. The reality is there will be factors out of their control; however, the more retailers can prepare for…

In this episode of Total Retail Tech Insights, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Rachel De Los Santos, senior director of client success at ESW, the global direct-to-consumer e-commerce leader. Listen in as De Los Santos provides an overview of her role (1:05), ESW's business offerings for retailers and brands (2:00), and what strategic inventory optimization looks…

In today’s fast-paced retail environment, gut feelings and guesswork are no longer enough to make effective business decisions. Success belongs to retailers that harness the power of data, turning insights into action to elevate customer experiences, streamline operations, and maximize profitability. Luxury U.K. brand Selfridges is a prime example of how collecting customer data can…

Born between the mid-to-late 1990s and early 2010s, Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) is a diverse group, with the oldest now in their late 20s, entering adulthood and the workforce. They're the first true digital natives, growing up with smartphones, high-speed internet, and everything on-demand. Their habits, especially around shopping, are reshaping retail. For…

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…