Retailers are under constant pressure. Growing competition, a
wider variety of sales channels, more private label and proprietary
brands - each of these is requiring retailers to be more reactive
to customer demands.
In order to succeed in a constantly changing environment, many
retailers are working to align their strategy, operations and
inventory decisions to be more nimble and marketsensitive. Such an
approach requires both a strategic as well as tactical approach
toward inventory management - one that begins with a strong
understanding of where the money is coming from. Leading retailers
focus their attention on increasing access to the products that
make them the most money, while putting less emphasis on everything
else. Strategic inventory management requires a higher degree of
engagement with vendors and manufacturing partners than ever
before. It means working closely with suppliers to understand what
activities underpin delivery of final goods, and whether
