Retail data is your true north in a shifting supply chain
Trusted data: Your competitive edge in an uncertain retail landscape
It’s an unpredictable retail environment, but one truth stands above all: when you don’t know where to turn, look to your data. At the recent SPS Commerce Analytics User Group (AUG), we heard from both emerging brands and established retail leaders who are leveraging their retail sell-through data and analytics reporting tools to come out strong during unstable market conditions.
The trust challenge
The numbers speak volumes. According to Gartner research, 97% of businesses struggle with supply chain metrics, and 70% lack confidence in their current technology. For suppliers trying to navigate an uncertain future using outdated tools and disparate data, these statistics aren’t just numbers—they represent daily operational challenges impacting their ability to serve retail partners effectively.
“The data is always telling you something.”
– Analytics User Group panelist, VP of collegiate apparel brand.
That insight explains why more suppliers are moving away from portals and spreadsheets and turning toward dynamic analytics solutions that offer practical reporting tools as well as options to integrate with planning systems and BI tools. Starting the week with up-to-date reports highlighting performance metrics and inventory risks offers a head start for tackling the week ahead.
From data to competitive advantage
What separates high-performing suppliers from the rest often comes down to speed: how fast they can turn insights into action. Our AUG participants shared how this plays out in real-world scenarios.
One supplier shared how they revolutionized their inventory approach by combining data sources to create a fast-turn replenishment model. This quick-to-market college sporting apparel brand analyzed sell-through data following game days, along with location data and team schedules for the upcoming weekend’s games, allowing them to replenish key teams’ fan apparel at the exact locations fans would be shopping. This quick-response capability helped them climb from ninth to third position with a key retail partner, growing revenue by 50% in just one year.
For suppliers looking to keep inventory lean while leveraging every opportunity, this example shows how having access to trustworthy data translates directly to measurable results. Suppliers using SPS Analytics consistently outperform industry averages in revenue growth, sell-through and gross margin.
Building your data trust framework
The most successful suppliers use a systematic approach to retail data:
- Start with reliable inventory tools. Look for solutions that deliver complete, accurate and timely data in one secure location and ease the resource burden on your team.
- Gain a holistic view of your retail data. Go beyond inventory counts. Analyze omnichannel performance and drill into the “why” behind the numbers.
- Focus on inventory optimization management. Solutions that offer the option to integrate retail sales and inventory data into your preferred BI tools create process efficiency gains.
- Use predictive analytics. Forecast demand and adjust before buyers even ask, turning responsiveness into partnership.
Data builds stronger partnerships
The most powerful insight from our AUG discussions wasn’t just about trusting data internally; it was about how trusted data transforms your retail partnerships.
“Leverage data to build trust with your partners.”
– Planning manager of one of the world’s leading footwear brands
By sharing sell-through data, their team aligns more closely with buyers and strengthens collaboration. This approach is especially valuable in categories where retailer trust determines premium shelf space and promotional support.
Transform your retail data into revenue growth
Turn complex retail data into actionable insights that power your success in everything from inventory optimization to sales forecasting to stronger partnerships. The future of retail is uncertain, but trust in your data and strong relationships with your buyers don’t have to be. Be empowered to use your data as your guide and keep moving forward with confidence.
Learn more about SPS Analytics.
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- Retail data is your true north in a shifting supply chain - June 6, 2025
- Solving the excess inventory dilemma - June 18, 2024
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