Runnings supports growth with AI-enabled forecasting and replenishment
Farm, home and outdoor retailer Runnings is deploying RELEX Solutions artificial intelligence technology to enhance planning across its enterprise.
Runnings, operating 90 stores across 12 states, will implement the AI-driven RELEX Solutions platform across its store and distribution center network, beginning with forecasting and replenishment. During the next several years, the retailer intends to add RELEX tools to support pricing, promotion, assortment, space and floor planning, supported by RELEX partner Retsci.
Offering a wide range of products aimed at rural customers, including farm supplies, fixtures and equipment; home and apparel needs; and hunting, fishing and camping items, Runnings is expanding its store network that spans across the upper Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast and seeks to support growth in its assortment and store count with RELEX supply chain software.
Runnings will use an exception-based planning model, where the AI-based system manages day-to-day replenishment automatically, providing more time for buyers and merchandisers to focus on higher-level decisions. Built on a single core demand forecast, the RELEX platform is designed to unify planning across forecasting and replenishment, purchasing, pricing and promotions, and assortment planning.
The retailer hopes this unified supply chain approach will improve collaboration across its merchandising and supply chain teams while creating a scalable foundation for growth.
"As we continue to grow our store network, we needed a planning platform that further automates routine work and gives our buying team the visibility to make smarter decisions across our entire operation," said Brian Odegaard, president, Runnings. "We are confident it will help us improve availability, reduce inventory, and support the planning infrastructure our business needs for the next phase of growth."
Neighborhood Intelligence, formerly known formerly known as Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., is also leveraging RELEX technology in an effort to bring supply chain planning processes across its store and distribution network together on a single AI platform. The parent of home décor banners including Bed Bath & Beyond and The Container Store intends to provide its planning, allocation and merchandising personnel a shared view of the business to help protect in-stock rates, improve sell-through and make faster and more informed decisions.
[READ MORE: Bed Bath & Beyond parent company to unify supply chain with AI]
"Runnings is investing in more than forecasting and replenishment. They're investing in a planning foundation that will support the business as it continues to grow," said Doug Iverson, senior VP, North America, RELEX Solutions. "With nearly 80 years of success, the Runnings buying and merchandising team has strong instincts and real expertise. Our job is to give them a platform that further scales their expertise so they can grow their store network without growing their workload."
Headquartered in Marshall, Minn., Runnings operates 90 stores across 12 states, including Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, New York, New Hampshire and Connecticut. Product assortment includes clothing, footwear, automotive items, sporting goods, farm supplies, lawn and garden essentials, toys, housewares, tools, and pet and animal supplies. In addition, several locations carry firearms.
