Retailers rethink inventory strategies after years of packed shelves

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Excess inventory has been partly blamed for the trouble afflicting the freight market this year. But according to Supply Chain Digest, retailers are now looking to reduce inventory levels, keeping just days’ worth rather than weeks’. This article explains how US retailer Home Depot, among others, wants to grow sales by nearly 15% by 2018 – while keeping inventory levels flat or slightly down. Walmart, Target and Kohl’s Corp are also trying to keep stocks low, although retailers need to be able to accurately predict inventory required for online or shop sales.