Edwin Watts Golf has grown significantly during the past several years, expanding its store portfolio and direct mail and Internet businesses as well. With growth came an increased complexity that taxed the capabilities of its aging legacy systems, which did not provide visibility across channels and among stores. The retailer decided it was time to invest in a new solution due to the age and fragmentation of its existing systems.

By Jeff Boudreau, Ryder Supply Chain Solutions

With the holidays approaching, retailers are once again facing the challenge of securing the right staffing levels in their stores to meet the higher demand of the season. And just as obtaining the right manpower levels is critical for capturing sales, reaching the right labor mix in the warehouse is essential in keeping inventory flowing smoothly through the supply chain.

Access to operating capital remains an ongoing challenge for some retailers, which are still facing a difficult time when it comes to securing a loan. The problem is particularly acute for small and medium-sized businesses: Among U.S. small business owners, 90% believe the availability of credit for small businesses is a problem, and 61% agree it’s harder to get a loan now than it was four years ago, according to a recent study by the American Sustainable Business Council, Small Business Majority and Main Street Alliance. 

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart Inc. on Thursday said it has had to revise its Q3 financial results, because it mishandled records related to a pending changeover in its electronic inventory system. The computer error led the retailer to miss recording permanent markdowns for the quarter ended Oct. 29.

The adjustment, which will reduce gross margin and inventory, will widen Stein Mart’s third-quarter loss by $1.3-$1.6 million. The retailer had reported a loss of $1.8 million for the period.