The Art and Science of Forecasting in Retail and CPG

 

With growing eCommerce channels and increased online shopping behavior, omnichannel retailers are grappling with the increased complexity brought on, in part, by current events, but more so the anticipated need to combine online and in-store merchandising, especially for the “new normal.” Siloed decisions around allocation, promotions, in-season pricinginventory transfers, and fulfillment will fail to deliver the expected margin performance unless they address the interconnectedness of online and stores. 

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Getting the Numbers Right: AI Solutions for Grocery Demand Forecasting

 

The grocery sector was arguably hit as hard by the pandemic as any and is still dealing with the most persistent hangover—namely ongoing supply shortages, inventory imbalances, and excessive spoilage and waste.

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5 Ways Sustainability Impacts CPG Margin


April is Earth Month, so let’s talk sustainability. Businesses across the world are increasingly recognizing sustainability as a critical element of their operations. From reducing environmental impact to improved margin expansion, organizations everywhere have embraced sustainable practices but how can they make sure these measures pay off? This blog outlines five ways in which CPG companies may maximize the advantages yielded by sustainability and how Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven demand forecasting and optimization models can help them realize those benefits—including increased margin.

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AI 101: Automating the Mundane

 

 

Join Nicholas Wegman, Ph.D., Senior Director of Artificial Intelligence and Alex Barnes, Senior Director of Product Management, in a three-part series that demystifies the science behind Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reveals how it can increase your margin. Taking an insightful journey into its history and present-day market trends, they will discuss why AI may—or may not—represent an ideal solution for every business.

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Omnichannel Demand Planning: The Future of Mid-Tier Fashion Retail

 

 

As we continue transitioning toward a post-pandemic economy, mid-tier fashion stands out as one retail sector that is irrevocably changed. 

It's clear now that fashion retail will never return to a pre-COVID sales mix dominated by in-store purchases, nor are we ever going to see the levels of online sales that occurred during the height of the lockdowns. There remains a considerable segment of consumers that will always prefer the tactile experience of visiting their favorite stores to browse through racks and try on items before purchase. While other customers—particularly millennials and Gen Z—avoid the local mall in favor of purchasing clothes online via websites and mobile apps.

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