Introduction
Out-of-Stock (OOS) situations and expired products are two of the biggest profit killers in retail. If you don’t track OOS expiry and replenishment cycles, you are essentially leaving money on the table. For food, beverage, and beauty brands, managing the “freshness” of the shelf is just as important as having stock in the first place.
The Cost of Missing and Expired Stock
When you fail to track OOS expiry and replenishment cycles, you face two risks: losing a sale to a competitor because your item isn’t there, or damaging your brand reputation by selling an expired product. Modern retail requires a proactive approach where replenishment is triggered before the shelf is empty.
Automating Replenishment with Field Data
The most effective way to track OOS expiry and replenishment cycles is through the eyes of your field team. Using Merchio, merchandisers can log expiry dates and current stock levels during every visit. The system can then alert management when stock is low or when products are nearing their “sell-by” date. This allows for timely markdowns or restocking, minimizing waste and maximizing turnover.
Omnichannel Inventory Awareness
If you sell both online and offline, you should integrate your field data with your warehouse data. Using Zetpy alongside your store tracking ensures that your inventory is synced across the entire business. By knowing your track OOS expiry and replenishment cycles across all channels, you can ensure that stock is moved to the locations where it is selling fastest.