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This latest report details the research that has been carried out by the ECR UK Availability Workgroup and sub-groups during 2007. One of the key focuses of the Workgroup during the year has been the re-launch of the ECR UK Availability Surveys for Superstores and Convenience Stores. Having initially been established in 2004 and 2005 respectively, the surveys have been refreshed in terms of the products being audited, the frequency of surveys and how the results are displayed and interrogated with the launch of a new dedicated website, www.ecrsurvey.co.uk.
The Availability Insights sub-group has undertaken research in conjunction with Heriot Watt University to understand what is the optimal level of on-shelf availability. Key to this has been understanding the cost implications of aiming for 100% on-shelf availability and the impact on shopper behaviour of targeting below this level. This study identified three strategies for dealing with the profitability and availability conundrum.
Having noted that most of the initiatives to drive improved on-shelf availability have focused on improving the supply of product to store, the People Engagement sub-group, working with the Cranfield Institute of Management, sought to understand the issues relating to the engagement of colleagues in maintaining great availability. The study details what are the key motivational factors for managers, supervisors and sales assistants to improve on-shelf availability.
The key aim of the Convenience Availability sub-group in 2007 was to further engage with the independent convenience store sector. The sub-group worked with retailer members to understand what store level best practice in terms of on-shelf availability within convenience stores looks like and then sought to make this information available and actionable by independent owners through the development of an availability assessment tool and functional guidelines.
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