Retail TNT

There is a lot of confusion about retail barcode numbers. It is common for the manufacturer of a few retail products to suddenly be told that one of their wholesalers or retailers wants barcodes on the products. So, suddenly, the manufacturer is thrust into the mysterious world of retail barcode numbers.

Common questions quickly arise. What is a barcode number? What type of barcode number do I need? Where do I get a barcode number for my products? Do I have to pay annual fees for a barcode number? How do I get the barcode image onto my product? Is there a central database where I need to register my barcode number? These questions and many others are faced by the manufacturer.

To help relieve some of the mystery, we want to help answer these common questions.

Barcode numbers are purely a unique number that is represented by a series of dark bars with light gaps between them. The actual number of the barcode is usually written below the bars. Barcode numbers come in many different formats. The most common retail barcode number is an EAN-13 barcode. These are 13 digit numbers, with the first 12 digits being allocated and the last digit being a calculated checksum, which is based on the values of the other digits. EAN-13 barcode numbers are commonly used on retail products throughout the world. It is important to note that there is no product information encoded in a barcode number it is purely a unique number. When a retailer first receives the barcoded product, they either scan the barcode or type the number into their system, & also enter the product details, price, reordering info etc. After this, when they scan the barcode, the specific product information appears on their screen.
UPC-A 12 digit numbers are also commonly used in the USA. These US format numbers are basically the same as EAN-13 numbers, but have one less digit. UPC-A numbers are effectively a subset of the EAN-13 number system.

There are 3 main ways to get a barcode number.

Firstly, you can make one up. However, this is definitely not recommended. An essential element of the barcode number system is the importance of ensuring all the numbers used on retail products are unique. Hence, if you just make up a number, there is a high chance of someone else having the same number on a different product. If this happens, you have effectively stolen their number and are potentially liable for reprinting packaging, product recall and other damages incurred, so it isnt worth the risk.

Secondly, you can join an international organisation that is the controller of most retail barcode numbers. Joining this organisation requires the completion of membership forms, provision of your companies financial information, payment of a joining fee and also payment of annual fees. Many manufacturers find this to be a complex and expensive process far more than they expected for something they expected to be simple buying a barcode number.

Thirdly, you can purchase a barcode number from a reputed barcode reseller. These barcode resellers, such as Barcodes Limited in New Zealand, usually own a large group of barcode numbers that originate from the UCC or GS1-US, part of the international controlling body, but are outside their licensing system. Hence these barcode resellers are able to sell the barcode numbers for a relatively cheap one-off price, and usually dont charge any joining fees or annual fees. These Barcode Resellers are usually internet based, as you dont need to physically collect a product from them, and they operate from websites such as barcodes.co.nz. If you are considering purchasing a barcode from a Barcode Reseller, ensure you read their site carefully, and also look for testimonials from satisfied customers who are using their barcode numbers.
Actually, there is a fourth way to get a barcode number you can purchase one from a dodgy barcode reseller but this could be as dangerous as the first option of making up your own number, so it isnt recommended.

Once you have your barcode number, which you have probably purchased from a Barcode Reseller, it is reasonable easy to get the barcode on to your product. Usually you will receive barcode images when you purchase your barcode number, so all you need to do is incorporate one of these images into your product packaging artwork. The standard size EAN-13 retail barcode is 25mm x 37mm. Officially they can be reduced to 80% of size ie to 20mm x 30mm. If you have already printed your product packaging, then the easiest thing to do is purchase some barcode labels. These labels usually come in rolls of 500 or 1000 labels, and are relatively inexpensive.

Finally, there is no central database where you need to register your barcode number. Once you have your barcode number on your packaging, your product is ready to go to the retailers. You can then sit back and enjoy that well-earned cup of coffee.

Whether you are building a new retail space or you want to improve your pre-existing space, retail architects can help. You will need to pay close attention to what each of the architectural firms can offer to ensure you are able to get what you want within your budget. There are many ways in which you can benefit from an architect but its important to that you look at the firms and what they have been able to do for previous clients in the past.
1.Environmentally responsible. You need to think about being environmentally responsible when you hire retail architects. There are more buildings going up that consider green architecture and you want to have the same features to be able to compete with the others in your area. Various green design elements can be added to improve your retail space but you want to find out what the architects recommend for you.

2.Adaptive reuse. You may have a building already but its not in the shape you want it to be in. With retail architects working with you, they can help you transform the space to what you want. This includes adding interior and exterior design elements to rebuild the space into the retail space that fits your needs. Not only will this allow you to reuse the building but it will save you money in doing so.

3.Unique design. When you want a unique design to attract more people, retail architects are going to help you. Take a look at designs they have done in the past to see if they are capable of thinking outside the box. If every previous retail space looks like the one before it, you may not have found the right firm to work with you yet. Instead, take the time to look for a firm that is well known for their creativity because youll get better results.

4.Better branding. Some of your building should say something about who you are and what you do. You can brand yourself in the community more effectively with the right retail space. Retail architects should be able to learn about your business and make recommendations on what will help you achieve the right look to brand yourself effectively. This way every time someone drives by, they will know exactly the building theyre looking at and associate it with you.

5.Ahead of schedule. Another way to improve your space and your reputation is to choose an architect that will deliver your order on time or before. There are many architects that have a habit of being ahead of schedule, which can work to your advantage. To ensure you find the right firm, a little research should be done either online or with the local Better Business Bureau.
Creating a retail space is something that you need to do. What it looks like and how it captures your essence is going to be directly related to the retail architects you hire for the job.

If online travel and classifieds were the star performers of the last decade, e-retailing seems to be hogging the limelight this time around. India is rapidly emerging as a rewarding market for many e-retailing companies; who are currently present in the market with any one of the three forms (Non-warehouse, Warehouse and Hybrid) models. The broadband and mobile penetration, 3G rollout, cash on delivery, internet banking has led to rise in online transactions by 18.2% for the year 2011 compared to 2010. Indian e-retail market is also expected to be more than INR 10,000 Crore by 2015.

In our analysis we found that Computer peripherals, Camera & Mobile and Life Style segments are expected hold 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively for 2011. Together they account for more than 70% of total market share in 2011. But by the end of 2015 Camera and Mobile is expected to take the top slot pushing computer peripheral to third position. In companies analysis segment Flipkart is the undisputed leader for the year 2011. Flipkart generated 4 times more revenue than its nearest competitor Yebhi in 2011. However according to our research findings scenario is likely to change in 2012 as Myntra is expected to take the second position leaving Yebhi to third position. For the year 2014 Flipkart and Myntra together is expected to hold more than 50% market share.

In any retail business, some products are returned from the point of consumption. Therefore, the challenge is to set up infrastructure and procedures for reverse logistics. The e-tailors need to have an understandable product return policy on the Web. This report provides a clear picture about the e-retailing scenario in India and its various issues like: Types of business model in Indian e-retail, key companies funding and revenue forecast, driving forces for e-retail, challenges in the e-retail.

Renub Research report entitled India E-Retail (E-Tailing) Market, Companies Revenue Analysis & Forecast to 2015 provides a comprehensive assessment of the fast-evolving, high-growth e-retail space. We recommend this report as must-read insight for e-retailing stakeholders.

The report covers the following points

E-Retail business model in India
India e-retail users transacting online growth forecast from (2010 to 2015)
Studied growth forecasts and India e-retail market sizing from (2009 to 2015)
Key players revenue analysis, forecast and funding trends of: Flipkart, Letsbuy, Myntra, HomeShop18, Yebhi, Snapdeal and Naptol from (2010 2014)
Market analysis and forecast for segments: Camera & Mobile, Computer Peripherals, Electronic gadgets, Life style, Books amd Home & kitchen Appliances (2009 2015)
Researched the drivers and challenges for the e-retail industry in India

Key Players Analysis

This section covers the key facts about the major companies that play an important role in India E-Retail Market. The companies analyzed in this section are as follows: Flipkart, Letsbuy, Myntra, HomeShop18, Yebhi, Snapdeal and Naptol. All the companies have been analyzed from two headings

1) Companies Revenue Analysis & Forecast
2) Companies Funding Sources form different private equity venture funds

Data Sources

This report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house analysis by Renub Research team of industry experts.

Primary sources include industry surveys and telephone interviews with industry experts.

Secondary sources information and data has been collected from various printable and non-printable sources like search engines, News websites, Government Websites, Trade Journals, White papers, Government Agencies, Magazines, Newspapers, Trade associations, Books, Industry Portals, Industry Associations and access to more than 100 paid databases.

Click here to view the report details: http://renub.com/reports/showdetails.aspx?id=65

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There are records as early as 1300 BC of mannequin forms in ancient Egyptian tombs. There were life-size, miniature and oversized replicas of the human form. Some imitated kings and others the forms of gods. The purpose of these was obviously not the display of clothing, but rather they held deep religious and historical significance. Though these tomb vigils were not designed for the purpose of clothing, other very early mannequins were used exclusively for tailoring and storing clothing items. Though they were not used for display purposes, these early mannequins of wood, wire, wicker, leather, and fabric were very close to the purpose of their descendants.

As human development and commercialism progressed the need for sales displays grew. Charles Worth created the first recorded mannequins for the use of display in Paris, France, sometime in the 1840’s. His goal was to make mannequin forms that resembled his customers so that they could truly observe the clothing from an exterior vantage. These developed into mannequin forms made from wax, wood and heavy fabric that were kept standing by heavy iron feet, planting them to the floor. Sometimes they were shaped with papier-mch or filled with sawdust. These forms were costly to produce, but as the market for expensive clothing climbed, so the production of mannequins increased and became the center stage for clothing display.

By the 1930’s, plaster sculptures were being developed for department stores in New York City. Mannequin forms grew hair or wore glasses to create realistic portrayals, while other less detailed versions drew more attention to physique. As large glass display windows and expensive store lighting became a common trend, mannequins became an essential part of retail window shopping as well as centerpiece displays, and so display mannequins evolved again into fiberglass models that could be easily mass produced. In the 1960’s, detailed and lightweight mannequin forms were manufactured by the thousands. This abundance allowed some manufacturers and designers the freedom to create abstract forms and styles of all shapes and sizes.

Today, the mannequin is an essential part of any retail store display. Shoppers expect to see clothes modeled by these unspeaking models to show them the vision of today’s fashion. Like many things, mannequins have developed from the human desire to create and copy and have developed into a vital part of modern commercial society.

Mannequins are among the most effective sales tools in a retail clothing environment. But mannequins dont just sell the clothes they are wearing. They are actually important tools for selling all of the clothes around them as well. Mannequins show customers what the store is all about and they create an image within the mind of what to expect from the clothes the store carries.

The biggest thing that mannequins provide is a beacon to certain areas of the store. Mannequins dressed a certain way tell people who are in tune with that particular style that this area of the store is for them. They also are the most visible elements of the store from the outside. This is especially important in large malls where window shopping is the name of the game.

It is important that retailers think of their mannequins as an element of interior design within the store. Mannequins are important tools for all clothing retailers because they contribute to the stores overall ambience and personality. More than any other element of the store, the way mannequins are positioned and dressed tells passersby and shoppers what type of customer your store caters to. Be sure that the mannequins appearance supports the mood and flavor you seek to create in the store.

Mannequins have been around for thousands of years but their use in store display is more recent. Kings and Queens who were concerned about their appearance, like the ancient pharaohs, would have a dress form made to their body dimensions. The court dress maker or tailor would use the dress form to display and make the clothes thus avoiding any royal embarrassment during the course of a fitting.

The evolution of this ancient crude dress form through the middle ages and up until just before the industrial revolution is unknown because there are so few written records and no museum examples to study. Wickerwork mannequins were certainly around in the late 1700s and were probably filled with stuffing and leather. Wire-framed versions came into existence in 1835 but mannequins were still not in use for store display. The invention of plate glass, the filament lamp and the sewing machine were the catalysts that put mannequins in the store.

In the 1880s window panes began to be installed in retail establishments and street lights started to appear. The improvement of sewing machines enabled ready to wear clothing to be made in large quantities. The industrial revolution also created a new middle class with money to spend on what was previously only available to royalty and landed gentry – fashionable clothes! More retail stores opened and the store owners needed mannequins to display the latest fashions.

These early mannequins were made of wax, wood or heavy fabric and because they needed to stay upright their feet were made of iron. To give them shape papier-mch and sawdust were used. Consequently the result was an expensive, hard to maintain and very heavy object. However such was the interest in fashion that by the turn of the century the mannequin was already the center of a fledgling industry called ‘window trimming’ which later became known as ‘visual merchandising’.

Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) has been considered a best practice in the manufacturing industry for the past 25 years. Initially started as a process to balance demand and supply, retail S&OP has evolved to a more robust Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process that links Strategic Plans, with product portfolio reviews and new product introductions, unconstrained demand plans, supply plans and capabilities, and financial appraisals of the Integrated Business Plans over a planning horizon of 24 months or more.

Significant benefits, both financial and strategic, have been the result of S&OP implementations in the manufacturing sector. However, in the retail sector, S&OP has not been adopted or at least not adopted in what would be defined as Class A Best Practices. This is currently causing the Retail Supply Chain network to remain unpredictable, minimizing some of the benefits a retail supplier would see from S&OP as well as the benefits a retailer would see if it adopted retail S&OP Class A Best Practices.

This article on Retail S&OP will describe recent developments with retail’s migration towards integrated business planning implementations. In detail, we will discuss:

1) Why Retail S&OP?

2) What is Retail S&OP (in detail)?

3) The impact of Retail S&OP on the retailer and the retailer’s suppliers.

The Role of Effective Integrated Business Planning and Communication

Retail S&OP is a step-by-step process that includes monthly reviews, product reviews, and category management. Before it was introduced, however, plans were always kept on the short term horizon, a nightmare for effective planning initiatives. Today, VICS, or Voluntary Inter-industry Commerce Solutions, is a standards body that almost every major corporation, such as Walmart, Lowe’s, and Target, abides by. Before VICS introduced these best practice measures, suppliers were pushed to implement integrated business planning in some form or another into their existing processes – whether they worked or not – in order to reduce costs and encourage in-house efficiency. Essentially, it was to keep up with the competition.

Reciprocation and trust remain vital in keeping the supply chain strong, but these elements have to trickle down to every stepping stone for integrated business planning to work. With VICS heading up retail S&OP initiatives, the process established a more direct approach to integrated business planning, at least two years out, that involved all partners and links in the chain. Information was shared to promote reciprocation. With a more proactive sharing strategy in place, companies using retail S&OP are often more adept at balancing and forecasting supply and demand and product launches, making the entire retail supply chain significantly less reactive and, thereby, saving money for everyone involved.

The product itself benefits from better integrated business planning strategies. In order to decide which new product will in fact be launched or promoted, the merchandising group draws up a monthly review to chart out a course of action. But planning doesn’t stop at the monthly level since many buyers plan well in advance of a year. Clothing purchases can occur eighteen months out; stores change layouts; aisles get wider; and promotional activities are scheduled — this all takes months and manpower to plan. However, if this information is shared in advance, suppliers can plan appropriately.

Some of this shared information comes from various sources, such as the store replenishment group, who indentifies in-store demand. Point of Sale (POS) is another useful retail tool that can scan and record purchases and, therefore, help forecast demand. It’s the responsibility of the warehouse management and logistic transportation group to collaborate to figure out lead time as well as how much inventory should be kept in stock. Routine supply review aggregates this detailed information to ensure there is enough product in the right place at the right time. And, as would be expected, there are significant cost improvements here. Retail S&OP helps avoid supply chain disasters, while keeping necessary merchandise in stock. Too much stock on hand equates to money sitting in limbo, while an extended shelf life requires products to be returned to the manufacturer or, worse, become dated.

The Future of Integrated Business Planning in the Retail Industry

Issues are bound to arise, but any problems should be resolved at the lowest level before being escalated. Potential concerns may center on building new distribution centers, declines in demand, or poor promotions. If questions remain, any financial appraisals can be done by the CFO or executive team, based, of course, on monthly reviews that forecast profit.

Company executives will be looking at the business over the next twenty four months, primarily at the aggregate level, to make sure that the company is going in the right direction. During each strategic meeting, executives will expect retail S&OP to work in this capacity, while hoping to avoid the Bull Whip effect. (In a nutshell, this means if you were to break out the different links in the supply chain and look at each individual product, it would be fairly predictable. If you were to go to different links of supply chain and look at orders between each link, such as supplier to store, the image starts to look like a bull whip, vacillating and unsteady. However, the farther one gets away from the retail store link, the more the bull whip fluctuates up and down.)

You may be wondering what’s next for integrated business planning in retail. Above all, collaboration is the key to success. CPFR(R)(1), or Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment, an industry standard of VICS, helps steady the Bull Whip, eliminating many of the emergencies or issues. Integrated business planning also ensures that fires are extinguished at the source. Just remember that the biggest sin in retail is to disappoint customers with ‘out of stock’ notices – largely preventable with a methodical approach to retail S&OP.

References

1. CPFR(R) is a Registered Trademark of the Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Standards (VICS) Association.