Improving service and sustainability in retail supply chains

Grant, D. B.; Fernie, J.; Tautrims, Alexander; El-Adas, R.

Abstract

Purpose: On-shelf availability and its impact on retail customer service and profitability has concerned retailers for many years. Further, globalisation of retail supply chains has meant increased logistics costs, particularly in transportation, and which has also led a call for more environmentally friendly or ‘green’supply chains. This paper investigates these issues via two research studies conducted in conjunction with ECR UK at both the on-shelf and secondary distribution positions in UK retail supply chains. Methodology/Approach: We first discuss the literature regarding on shelf availability and collaborative distribution. Next, we present two independent case studies concerning on-shelf availability and collaborative distribution respectively. Primary exploratory research was undertaken by desk research of data and documents and interviews with managers at the focal companies involved in both case studies. Lastly, we provide conclusions and implications for practitioners and further research.

Citation

Grant, D. B., Fernie, J., Tautrims, A., & El-Adas, R. (2008). Improving service and sustainability in retail supply chains. In Proceedings of the 13th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL) 2008, 257-264

• Conference Name: 13th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL) 2008
• Publication Date: 2008
• Pages: 257-264
• Book Title: Proceedings of the 13th International Symposium on Logistics (ISL) 2008
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/417943