Operations & Supply Chain

Retail Supply Chain Management

Retailers must get the right products to the right stores and channels at the right time, while minimising stock and waste. This course covers retail supply chains: assortment and range planning links, demand forecasting by store, replenishment, distribution centres, omnichannel fulfilment, promotions, markdowns and supplier collaboration.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Retail margins depend on supply chain excellence. You will learn practices that improve availability and reduce waste.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Retail case studies, replenishment exercises, promotion planning workshops and omnichannel scenarios.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain retail supply chain structures
Forecast demand at store and channel level
Design replenishment and allocation processes
Manage promotions and seasonal products
Support omnichannel fulfilment
Collaborate with suppliers on availability

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Retail supply chain managers
Merchandise planners and allocators
Distribution centre managers
Store operations managers
Supplier account managers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Retail forecasting
Replenishment
Promotion planning
Omnichannel fulfilment
Supplier collaboration

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Retail Supply Chains

09:00–10:08Structures and flows
10:08–11:00Availability and waste
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Availability and waste (continued)
11:45–12:53KPIs
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Forecasting

09:00–10:08Store-level forecasting
10:08–11:00Seasonality
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Seasonality (continued)
11:45–12:53Events
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Replenishment

09:00–10:08Allocation and replenishment
10:08–11:00Distribution centres
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Distribution centres (continued)
11:45–12:53Store operations
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Promotions and Omnichannel

09:00–10:08Promotions
10:08–11:00Markdowns
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Markdowns (continued)
11:45–12:53Online orders from stores
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Supplier Collaboration

09:00–10:08Vendor-managed inventory
10:08–11:00Data sharing
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Data sharing (continued)
11:45–12:53Joint planning
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

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