June 3, 2024
On-Shelf Availability continues to plague consumer brands and their retail partners, leading to $80B+ in lost sales annually. bops Partner, Mike Graen, is leading the charge to discover how technological solutions such as bops can help solve this problem.
As consumers, we are laser focused on our mission - buying the product we want, where and when we want it. But having the product on the shelf, ready for us to purchase, is not so easy for the consumer brands or their retail partners.
Unsurprisingly, out-of-stocks continue to plague the CPG industry today (to the tune of $80B+ annually).
While acknowledging that On-Shelf Availability is a complex process involving buyers, suppliers, distribution centers and in-store execution, expert such as Mike Graen are strong proponents of technology-based solutions having the potential to help brands and retailers reduce out-of-stocks, and keep the products on the shelf for consumers.
We at bops are also strong believers that the present and future of On-Shelf-Availability is technology-driven. Now you might be wondering what exactly does that look like?
For starters, check out our partner, Mike Graen's Conversations on Retail episode on the intersection of OSA and Algorithmic Solutions!
With 40 years of experience working for Procter & Gamble, Walmart, and CROSSMARK, Mike Graen has seen the retail industry from every conceivable angle.
From helping develop what would become Retail Link, to investigating and leveraging the potential of shelf-scanning robots and RFID tech in stores, Graen has made a career out of using technology to solve business problems.
These days, Mike is focused on leveraging retail supply chain technology, RFID, and robotics to measure and improve On-Shelf Availability (OSA) for CPG brands and retailers.
Based in Bentonville, Arkansas, Conversations On Retail is a one-of-a-kind platform where retailers, their suppliers, solution providers, and other industry experts gather to exchange ideas, insights, and best practices while growing their professional network… one conversation at a time via:
Alongside partners like bops, Conversations on Retail hosts Zoom-based conversations, classes, and conferences on critical subjects such as CPFR, On-Shelf Availability, Retail Media, and so much more.
The small groups (such as bops' CPFR 2.0) bring together like-interested professionals for expert-led discussions, where iron sharpens iron as we wrestle with some of the hottest topics and trends affecting the CPG and retail industry.
Conversations on Retail also hosts online gathering places and resource centers that help the industry connect with experts, solutions, and thought leadership.
Conversations on Retail works alongside leaders from retailers, supplier teams, and the solution providers that serve them both, helping them identify opportunities, solve problems, and implement strategies and tactics that accelerate smart and sustainable growth.
Want to learn more about Conversations on Retail? Check them out here.