We recently shared our thoughts on what best-in-class retailers are doing to keep their business on the right track in light of the economic turbulence we’ve been seeing in recent weeks, and if you missed it, you can read our blog post here.
If you’re still struggling with how to keep things on an even footing, the good news is that 4R has plenty of tools and services available to help.
In this blog post, we deep dive into the practical solutions 4R offers to some of the challenges retailers might be facing.
With tariffs shifting, it’s not just about cutting spend, it’s about making your inventory work smarter.
4R helps retailers dynamically adjust their assortment and inventory strategies in real time, so you’re not over-investing in the wrong products or missing sales on the right ones. We offer a Planning as a Service (PaaS) solution where we become an expert extension of your team, partnering with you to understand your business and provide you with the right insights at the right time to help you take things to the next level, whatever the economic environment happens to be throwing at you.
So, what are some of the features you’ll benefit from if you work with us?
4R’s Secret Sauce
4R is built to maximize margin dollars while minimizing inventory carrying costs. When tariffs raise the cost per unit, 4R automatically accounts for the margin change and strategically adjusts inventory recommendations.
Plus, our system re-forecasts weekly based on observed sale, so if consumer behavior shifts, your reorder points (ROPs) update accordingly, without any manual intervention.
Display Mins: The Low-Hanging Fruit
Now’s the time to re-evaluate excess or outdated display minimums and appearance levels. These can quietly tie up inventory dollars and rack up unnecessary tariff fees. A Display Min Analysis highlights where your most costly display mins are and offers targeted opportunities for cleanup.
Assortment Optimization
If there was ever a time to rethink your assortment, it’s now. 4R’s Assortment Optimization evaluates whether to add, drop, or retain SKUs based on selling patterns and inventory goals.
📦 “I know I’m going to take a hit on shipping costs due to tariffs. If I can offset that by reducing inventory investment, what would my ideal assortment look like?”
This tool helps answer exactly that.
Unproductive SKU Analysis
Do you have SKUs whose annual margin is less than their annual carrying cost? It’s time to get strategic.
This report lets you filter and drill down – by category, location, or brand – to pinpoint underperforming SKUs and make smarter replenishment decisions. Whether you’re over-assorted or just carrying “space fillers,” this tool shows you where to clean up.
Delivery Frequency Scenarios
If you’ve got the space to carry more, ordering less often could reduce tariff impact.
4R can simulate alternate ROPs and inventory positions based on longer coverage periods or EOQ scenarios. This lets you order with purpose, factoring in seasonality, volatility, and actual demand, rather than gut feel.
Future Forecasts for Vendor Readiness
Looking ahead without making supply chain changes?
Our 52-week forecast files for demand or orders help you plan with confidence – and give vendors a heads-up so they can prioritize your orders amidst growing demand from other retailers. This keeps fill rates high when you need them most and gives you a competitive edge.
(Coming Soon) Use What You Already Have – Store Transfers
Before placing another order, take a look at your network. Is there a store with too much and another with too little? Our Store Transfer tool identifies opportunities to shift inventory across locations, reducing excess and avoiding new orders – all in one move.
In an environment where every decision carries weight, having the right tools makes all the difference. 4R’s suite of optimization solutions, accompanied by expert knowledge and insight from experienced planning professionals, is designed to help hardware retailers navigate uncertainty with clarity and control. Challenges like tariffs, shifting demand, and supply chain volatility turn into strategic advantages. Whether you’re looking to trim costs, rebalance assortments, or prepare for what’s next, we’re here to help.
Ready to make your inventory work harder for you?
Let’s talk about how 4R can support your goals.
Get in touch with our team today or request a demo to see the impact for yourself.