Learning to work with inflation: A SYSTEM OF TIGHTER FINANCIAL CONTROLS

It is no news to retailers that their margins have been effectively restricted by a combination of Price Code regulations and customer resistance. Indeed, escalating operating costs are now eating into margins so fast that it is doubtful if the average of remaining profits exceeds 50% of permitted net reference levels. The writer asserts that it is essential for retailers to consider alternatives to their former trading policies. An operating budget and a detailed cash flow projection are both essential. Problems are most likely to be met in achieving the budget of gross profit and in keeping full control of stocks and debtors; the writer suggests how these problems may best be tackled.