Retail logistics and merchandising in the USA: current status and requirements in the year 2000

This study present the results of a survey of senior level retail executives in the USA. Responses provide an indication of retail perceptions surrounding the order fulfilment process. As retailers look ahead towards 2000, technological readiness will drive virtually all retailer expectations of suppliers. The use of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) will become an industry mandate; those vendors who want to be the number one or two partner in a category will be technologically sophisticated. This technological readiness will dramatically reduce order time while improving invoice accuracy ‐ an edict clearly voiced by retailers. Finally, as suppliers and retailers look ahead, the formation of mutually beneficial partnerships will dominate.