The supply chain is, many say, the unsung hero of retailing. It can be complex, it can be difficult – particularly when it comes to forecasting – and it can be unglamorous.

The supply chain is, many say, the unsung hero of retailing. It can be complex, it can be difficult – particularly when it comes to forecasting – and it can be unglamorous. But it has the potential to make or break a retail business. When it runs smoothly, supply chain teams are expected to deliver even greater efficiency and look for more cost savings, and yet when it goes wrong, it makes the headlines. The feature on warehouse glitches proves the point. In the past year, both Supergroup and Ocado have been victims of technical warehouse problems that have hit performance.

Those negative headlines can run into consumer column inches, too. At Christmas, carrier giant Yodel had to fight off accusations of a backlog of undelivered parcels. But as the delivery feature shows, retailers are improving the delivery service they offer their customers. While ecommerce has developed apace, online fulfilment has been far less of a priority. However, retailers are recognising just how critical delivery convenience is if they are to grow their online offer.

Multichannel is now a priority in retail head offices, but ensuring a supply chain fits today’s multichannel retailing era is not just a case of simple tweaking. It can require a radical overhaul, not only in terms of existing systems but in working among supply chain teams.

Many supply chain teams need to change their thinking about suppliers, too. Our feature demonstrates how suppliers’ expert knowledge of consumers and local markets can be invaluable – particularly when it comes to international expansion.

International and multichannel will be at the forefront of retailers’ plans this year, and the supply chain professional will be no exception.

  • Hear from the UK’s leading supply chain experts at the Retail Week Supply Chain Summit on May 15-16, London. Visit retailweeksupplychain.com