Stocking for shopping – inventory control in theory and in practice: A review of current practices in the retail sector

There have been major developments in the theory and practice of inventory control during the 20th century. The developments have emerged from manufacturing industry but have been adopted by companies in other sectors, this has enabled them to reduce costs and improve their operating efficiency. This paper focuses on the retail sector and looks at how the developing theory of inventory control has been adapted to serve the needs of four major UK retailers.