Inventory

Managing inventory is challenging across all industries, but retailers face the added challenge of scale. While a standard company may need to plan for 100,000 products in a single warehouse, a major retailer needs to manage that same volume across thousands of different store locations. This makes even basic data collection difficult. For example, even…

Inventory data has quietly become the most important customer experience (CX) system in modern retail, and the foundation of true, storewide intelligence that connects what customers see on shelves with what systems believe is available. When shelf reality and system reality match, every other experience promised — from personalization to buy online, pick up in-store…

After attending NRF Big Show earlier this year and EuroShop more recently, it’s clear that retailers aren’t short of ideas. They’re focused on what actually works, consistently, across stores, day in and day out, and that shift points to a broader reality the industry has been circling for some time. Retail’s biggest challenge is execution…

In today’s retail market, the hottest item isn’t always the original product. Increasingly, it’s the dupe. Across social media, influencers regularly spotlight lower-cost alternatives to luxury and premium products, and consumers eagerly pursue these “dupes,” turning imitation into a viral shopping strategy. But for retailers, the dupe economy raises an important question: When does an…

Shoppers are shifting their tactics. Burdened by rising prices, depressed spending power, and slumping consumer sentiment, they are, as KPMG explained, “more cautious, more cost-conscious, and more selective than they’ve been in years.” Recent consumer research shows that shoppers still expect instant value, immediate product availability, and a highly relevant experience both online and in-store.…

Retailers are putting more money into artificial intelligence every year. More than half (56 percent) have increased their spending on generative AI since 2024. However, despite the investment, most still aren’t seeing real business results. Too often, AI is confined to narrow optimization, such as forecasting, pricing or personalization — meaning core retail processes remain…

With fall officially underway, holiday prep is ramping up for retailers. Between tariff uncertainty, lingering supply chain issues, and a more values-driven consumer mindset, the road to a strong year-end starts now. Retailers that plan early and act intentionally will have the advantage. At Lightspeed, we work with thousands of retailers worldwide, giving us a…

Born between the mid-to-late 1990s and early 2010s, Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) is a diverse group, with the oldest now in their late 20s, entering adulthood and the workforce. They're the first true digital natives, growing up with smartphones, high-speed internet, and everything on-demand. Their habits, especially around shopping, are reshaping retail. For…

Import cargo at the nation’s major container ports is expected to see a surge through this summer as retailers take advantage of a 90-day reduction in tariffs that were recently imposed on China, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates. According to NRF Vice President for…

In today's volatile and uncertain business environment, retail supply chain executives face numerous challenges in optimizing inventory and making intelligent supply chain decisions. The ever-changing supply chain management landscape requires agility, strategic planning, and the integration of advanced technologies to stay competitive and meet evolving consumer expectations. Define Your Supply Chain Aspirations Identifying your supply…