If you’re a retailer, you are probably facing an inventory glut right now. Last week we focused on optimizing your returns management—and you should—but you also need more space right now to manage that glut. Three potential options to consider are renting short-term shared space via commercial marketplaces; use your brick-and-mortar stores as temporary staging and shipping locations; or establish/rent small spaces for fulfillment. In all of these cases, having enough labor to manage the handling is ideal and may be the biggest challenge in the current shortage.
All of the above options require software to assist in the process, and while your WMS is a great starting place, order-management software can be a critical addition to dealing with excess inventory. The software works best for those retailers who do not carry a massive array of SKUs, however. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and figuring out the right strategy for your particular needs may take some trial and error.
Are you a retailer facing an inventory glut? What is your approach?
