The Future of Commerce Podcast

Retail supply chain management: 4 ways to keep shelves stocked

Episode Summary

Discover the strategies that are revolutionizing retail supply chain management as businesses navigate a post-pandemic world. Learn how companies are addressing labor shortages, geopolitical instability, and rising costs while adopting innovative approaches like diversifying suppliers, nearshoring, and leveraging AI to ensure shelves stay stocked.

Episode Notes

In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities in modern retail supply chain management, inspired by the article Retail Supply Chain Management: 4 Strategies to Keep Shelves Stocked. From labor shortages to climate disruptions, we delve into how businesses are responding to an increasingly complex global landscape. Tune in to discover actionable insights and solutions designed to build resilience and efficiency in the supply chain.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Supply Chain Challenges of Today:

• Why 34% of U.S. business leaders now cite supply chain disruptions as their top risk.
• The ripple effects of labor shortages, geopolitical instability, and climate-related disruptions on global trade.
• How rising costs and a lack of supply chain visibility are complicating inventory management and pricing.

Key Strategies for Supply Chain Resilience:

1. Diversifying Suppliers and Friendshoring:
   • Moving beyond cost-focused sourcing to prioritize stability and shared values.
   • Examples of companies building resilient, ethical, and sustainable partnerships.
2. Nearshoring and Reshoring Production:
   • The benefits of manufacturing closer to home, including shorter lead times and reduced carbon footprints.
   • Why rising transportation costs are driving this trend.
3. Attracting and Retaining Skilled Talent:
   • The critical role of tech-savvy problem-solvers in navigating supply chain complexities.
   • How soft skills like communication and adaptability are as vital as technical expertise.
4. Embracing AI for Supply Chain Optimization:
   • Leveraging AI for demand forecasting, inventory management, and transportation routing.
   • Real-world examples of businesses achieving efficiency and cost savings with AI-driven insights.

The Consumer Impact:

• How supply chain transformations may influence product availability and pricing.
• The balancing act between managing costs and leveraging technology for efficiency.

Stay ahead of supply chain trends by subscribing to our podcast. Explore more in-depth insights by visiting The Future of Commerce. Share this episode with your network to spark conversations about the future of retail and global trade.