White Paper: Going Local

By Scott Welty

Thinking globally and acting locally is the goal of most retailers. Standing in the company's way are evolving trends and product choices, disconnects between stores and corporate operations, complex 24/7 supply chain networks and competition from multiple channels. Retailers must rise above these daily hurdles while trying to predict the whims of price-sensitive consumers who are more knowledgeable and demanding than ever.

With the right combination of detailed consumer data, sophisticated capabilities and a top-down, bottom-up commitment to collaboration, retailers can successfully sync assortment decisions to their overall merchandise management priorities, corporate financial targets, inventory performance goals and space constraints.

Some perceived barriers to localization and real-world examples of retailers that are breaking new ground in this area will follow. These retailers are successfully delivering a more rewarding localized experience to their customers and are realizing significant bottom-line benefits along the way.