Managing Inventory In An Ecommerce Store

53% of retailers face serious consequences from unsold stock. Don't be a statistic! Ever felt the pressure of excess inventory in retail? You're not alone. In fact, Retail Customer Experience reports that 50% of U.S. retailers grapple with excess stock, and 27% wrote off surplus inventory as a loss in 2022. More alarmingly, 53% indicated their business would face serious consequences if the excess stock remains unsold. So, how can you tackle this issue head-on? Here are five strategies: ✅ Proactive Stock Transfers: If you're running multiple stores, regularly review stock levels across different locations. Transfer surplus stock from locations with high inventory counts to those with greater sales potential. Quick, decisive action is possible if you have a centralized retail inventory management platform for all your locations. ✅ Leverage Online Stores and Marketplaces: Expand your reach beyond brick-and-mortar by setting up shop online. This includes selling on your website, social media, and online marketplaces. These platforms provide access to a vast online audience actively seeking products, increasing the chances of selling your excess inventory. ✅ Re-merchandise Products: Sometimes, it's not the product that's stale, but the merchandising strategy behind it. Consider showcasing unique ways to use an item or implement storytelling in your displays to make surplus products more enticing to customers. ✅ Implement Promotions: Sales and promos are classic tactics for getting rid of surplus stock. Research from Google reveals 87% of shoppers say that getting a good deal is an important consideration when deciding which retailer to buy from. Consider discounts, BOGO offers, or gifts with purchase to incentivize customers. ✅ Negotiate Return to Vendor Agreements: RTV contracts allow retailers to return unsold merchandise to the original suppliers. While this could mean paying more per unit and adding complexity to your operations, it's a viable option to address excess inventory. Remember, getting rid of excess stock requires a strong inventory management system and a proactive approach. Cover all your sales channels, add some promotions to the mix, and consider negotiating RTV agreements with your vendors to minimize the risk of surplus stock. Stay proactive, stay strategic, and let's turn that excess inventory into opportunity! Stay updated with e-commerce trends by following Irina Poddubnaia and TrackMage. #advertisingandmarketing #digitalmarketing #ecommerce #retail #supplychain #logistics

Don't let your brand and marketing teams decide how to activate your portfolio on #Amazon! It's a surefire way to erode margins and derail the commercial strategy you're trying to execute. I see this all the time: Brand teams push promo and advertising budgets onto pre-defined SKUs, because they're part of a national promo campaign. But what works in-store quickly backfires on Amazon. If your brand teams push volume on dilutive SKUs, your Amazon sales team faces suppressions, CRAP, and calls for margin support from Vendor Managers. Instead, make sure your brand teams account for the commercial reality with the online retailer. Build a master report that updates monthly and provides all your teams with insights into your own and Amazon's profitability at SKU level. Then, overlay that with your category sales share on Amazon. This effectively allows you to define and inform an integrated sales and marketing strategy for each product you sell with the online retailer. Which reduces the chance that silos between sales and marketing does more harm than good to your growth on Amazon. --- How do you align your brand and marketing teams with the commercial reality on Amazon? Let me know in the comments! #amazonvendor #amazonstrategy

Ever wonder why some e-commerce brands always seem to have the right products in stock, while others struggle with overstock or empty shelves? It all comes down to demand forecasting—and in 2025, it’s getting an AI-powered upgrade. ● From guesswork to precision Traditional forecasting relies on historical sales data. AI-driven tools now go beyond that, integrating real-time factors like weather, local events, and even social media trends. The result? Forecasts with 90%+ accuracy instead of the usual 50%. ● GenAI: the next step Generative AI takes it further by analyzing unstructured data (customer reviews, trends, emerging demand signals) and answering questions in plain language. No more complex spreadsheets—just instant insights for better inventory planning. ● AI tools leading the way: ✔ Simporter – AI-powered forecasting that integrates multiple data sources to predict sales trends. ✔ Forts – uses AI for demand and supply planning, ensuring optimized inventory. ✔ ThirdEye Data – AI-driven forecasting that factors in seasonality and customer behavior. ✔ Swap – AI-based logistics platform that enhances inventory management. ✔ Nosto – AI-driven personalization that recommends the right products at the right time. ● Why this matters for #ecommerce? ✔️ Avoid stockouts that frustrate customers ✔️ Reduce excess inventory and free up cash ✔️ Adapt quickly to market shifts How are you managing demand forecasting in your store? #shopify

Amazon Sellers: Inventory limits are back, and they’re already affecting Prime Day for many Brands. Here’s what I’m doing. At GNO Partners we’re working with over 200 Brands. Lately, many brands discovered their FBA limits were cut, blocking them from creating new shipments. This creates a big problem for many brands before Prime Day. If this is affecting you too, here’s what we recommend… 1. Buy more FBA space • Go to FBA Dashboard → Capacity Monitor • Click “Create a new request” and bid for more space • If it’s denied, increase the bid and resubmit • Once approved for July, June will unlock under “Early Release” • Open your shipments Tip: Request at least 50% more space than your current limits 2. Use AWD (Amazon Warehousing & Distribution) For long-term stability, start integrating AWD into your logistics. Amazon is prioritizing AWD, so aligning with them is a wise idea. • Ship more inventory to AWD. • As limits free up, transfer units from AWD to FBA • Save your buffer stocks there, as close to FBA as possible. This will come in VERY handy in Q4 to save on the crazy storage fees of FBA. If you're stuck with inventory, don't wait. Don’t let your brand lose momentum over inventory… Want a VA-ready, step-by-step guide to buying more FBA space? Comment "Inventory" below and I’ll send it to you.

Because inventory causes exponential pain with multiple warehouses... This infographics shows how to manage inventory in this context: ➡️ Centralize Inventory Visibility ↳ Issue: not knowing inventory levels across locations can lead to overstock in one warehouse and stockouts in another ↳ Action: Implement an inventory management system/ ERP that shows real-time inventory positions for all warehouses in one snapshot ➡️ Classify Products and Prioritize ↳ Why: Not all SKUs deserve the same treatment; some are high-value, others are seasonal ↳ Action: Use ABC analysis to rank products by focusing on A-items for tighter control ➡️ Define Replenishment Rules by Warehouse ↳ Why: Different warehouses cater to different regions or demand patterns. One-size-fits-all reorder points (ROP) won’t cut it ↳ Action: Tailor ROP, safety stock, and min-max levels by location. Consider lead times from central distribution centers or suppliers for each site ➡️ Breakdown Forecast by Warehouse ↳ Why: Each warehouse faces unique market dynamics ↳ Action: Generate warehouse-level forecasts, combining local sales trends with broader S&OP inputs ➡️ Plan Transfers Strategically ↳ Why: Sometimes it’s of lower cost or faster to transfer stock than reordering from suppliers ↳ Action: Set up a transfer framework; regularly review surplus vs. deficit at each location. Automate triggers for transfer orders when it’s cost-effective. ➡️ Monitor KPIs Proactively ↳ Why: Multi-warehouse complexity can hide inefficiencies when not tracking the right metrics ↳ Action: Track fill rate, inventory turnover, stock aging, and transfer costs at each site. ➡️ Plan Direct Dispatches & Save Costs ↳ Why: Dispatch directly from the plant to save logistics costs ↳ Action: Prepare daily dispatch plans targeting direct replenishment from the plant and use these warehouses for milk runs for distributors Any others to add?

From Warehouse to Wardrobe Have you ever wondered how fashion brands keep up with rapidly changing trends while ensuring the right products are always in stock? On Day 2 of our Delhi Study Trek at Indian School of Business, I had the opportunity to explore Blackberrys Menswear's Pan-India Warehouse—a 110,000 square feet facility dedicated to fresh inventory. The scale, precision, and strategy behind their operations were nothing short of impressive. Key Takeaways from Blackberrys' Supply Chain Strategy: 1️⃣ Smart Inventory Management – Blackberrys integrates SAP for enterprise-wide operations and Increff's Warehouse Management System (WMS) to streamline inventory control. This combination enables precise inventory management at a lower cost, ensuring their supply chain remains lean. 2️⃣ Data-Driven Demand Forecasting – With a 3-month lead time per fashion cycle, Blackberrys uses invite-only exhibitions to gather data and forecast demand. Bulk buyers from major brands like Myntra place orders based on product samples, ensuring a seamless transition from warehouse to retail. 3️⃣ Optimized Product Handling – Packaging is a meticulous process: hanging storage for structured garments like coats and flat storage for other items ensure items are protected, enhancing efficiency and product quality. 4️⃣ Order Management & Quality Control – Blackberrys maintains a 5% tolerance on bulk orders, balancing flexibility with fulfillment precision. Their dedicated quality checks ensure only the highest-quality products reach the shelves, reducing errors and delays. The Role of Technology in Shaping Fashion Retail Following our visit to Blackberrys, we had the privilege of attending a session with Romil Jain, the Chief Technology Officer at Increff, who shared the company’s vision for the future of fashion logistics. Increff has developed a smart, tech-driven solution for inventory management, which has already been adopted by over 700 global brands across 34 countries. Their AI-powered demand forecasting, scan-based operations, and real-time inventory visibility are enabling retailers to optimize their entire supply chain, minimize waste, and deliver products with unmatched efficiency. Romil Jain also shared his inspiring growth journey, highlighting how Increff’s technology—designed specifically for the fashion retail industry—is empowering businesses to adapt to rapidly changing consumer demands. It was refreshing to see how Indian software solutions like Increff are making a global impact by seamlessly integrating with larger platforms like SAP. Despite his remarkable achievements, Romil remains incredibly humble, and it was truly inspiring to meet someone with such a grounded perspective. This experience not only deepened my understanding of operational efficiency but also reinforced the power of homegrown technology in creating seamless, scalable supply chains. What’s the most innovative logistics solution you’ve encountered in retail?

Working in D2C fashion? Then you already know the two kinds of returns we deal with: 1. The honest ones (wrong fit, wrong size) 2. The “used it, flaunted it, now returning it” kind Reverse logistics is a not a blessing especially for new brands trying to win trust, It’s a double-edged sword! Yes, some argue that a strict return policy filters out the wrong audience. But here’s the truth no one likes to admit: It also repels the right audience- the ones who are genuinely unsure about fit, comfort, or styling. And in fashion, where every brand’s sizing chart is basically a new size chart, what do you expect from customers? If your return policy makes people feel like they’re on trial, you’re not protecting the brand, you’re burning bridges with potential loyalists. There’s no perfect solution here, but we need to find better middle grounds clearer sizing support, flexible returns. Because trust isn’t built on one purchase. It’s built on what happens after the purchase. After having worked with 12+ lifestyle brands let me share some suggestions: 1. Smarter Sizing Support Use size recommendation tools (AI-based if possible) that learn from past customer purchases and returns. Shopify has multiple such apps. Add real customer photos & UGC reviews that mention fit; peer-led guidance always trumps size charts. 2. Tiered Return Policies a) Reward repeat/genuine customers with more flexibility. b) New customers may have a slightly stricter window or policy but with clear communication, not confusion. 3. Fraud Pattern Tagging Track & flag repeat offenders, people who return 90% of their orders with wear signs. Don’t punish everyone for a few. Razorpay shopflo GoKwik all these guys have Fraud flagging feature in-built in them, please utilize. 4. Post-Purchase Engagement Use WhatsApp or email nudges asking “Need help with your fit?” or “Would you like to exchange instead of return?” you’d be surprised how many just need support, not a refund. TRAIN your customer support to converse well and solve the sizing problem. Eg; Size 40 for a kurta isn't the body measurement but a garment measurement; state this clearly and explain what it means to your team and to your customers. Unit economics in D2C is hard, I do understand but basics is something we can follow before calling D2C a lost cause or a leaky channel. #ecommerceinsights #fashionstartups #reverselogistics #customerexperience #returnpolicy #D2CMarketing

Managing your supply chain efficiently is crucial to avoiding slow inventory and maximising sales. Here’s a simple, actionable approach: Step 1: Negotiate a 20-30 Day Factory Turnaround Ensure your factory turnaround time is between 20-30 days to keep stock moving quickly. This gives you greater flexibility and control over inventory levels. Step 2: Start Pre-Selling 14 Days Before Landing Don’t wait for stock to arrive—start pre-selling 14 days in advance using Klaviyo or your preferred email platform. This builds anticipation and helps gauge demand before committing to more stock. Step 3: Use AI Forecasting Tools Leverage AI tools to accurately forecast demand and ensure you’re ordering the right products. This helps prevent both stockouts and excess inventory. Step 4: Place Top-Up Orders As stock starts to land, place top-up orders to maintain momentum and keep pre-selling. This ensures you don’t miss out on sales while waiting for your next shipment. Why It Matters? If you're not doing this in fashion DTC, you could be leaving money on the table, either by overstocking the wrong styles or running out of your best-sellers. 💡 A smarter supply chain means better sales, less waste, and more efficient growth.

Empowering Amazon Sellers with Data-Driven Insights: My Power BI Amazon Products Dashboard As an Amazon seller, staying on top of your product performance and market trends is crucial for success. However, with the vast amount of data available, it can be challenging to extract meaningful insights and make informed decisions. This is where data visualization tools like Power BI come in handy. I recently embarked on a project to create a Power BI Amazon Products dashboard to help sellers gain a comprehensive overview of their product performance, sales trends, and customer feedback. The dashboard features interactive charts, graphs, and filters that allow users to easily analyze their data and identify areas for improvement. Here are some of the key features of my Power BI Amazon Products dashboard: Track sales performance: Monitor revenue, units sold, average order value, and other critical sales metrics to assess product profitability and identify growth opportunities. Analyze product trends: Identify top-selling products, seasonal trends, and customer preferences to make informed decisions about product assortment and pricing strategies. Gather customer insights: Gain valuable insights from customer reviews and ratings to improve product quality and customer satisfaction. Visualize data effectively: Utilize interactive charts, graphs, and maps to present data in a clear and concise manner, making it easier to identify patterns and trends. Customize the dashboard: Tailor the dashboard to your specific needs by adding or removing widgets, adjusting filters, and customizing visualizations. Creating this Power BI Amazon Products dashboard has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has given me a deeper understanding of the power of data visualization and its ability to transform complex data into actionable insights. #PowerBI #AmazonSeller #DataVisualization #DataDrivenDecisionMaking