Alison Metcalfe is an inquisitive and ambitious professional with over 20 years of experience in the retail industry. Having worked with large companies such as John Lewis, H Samuels, BHS, Woolworths, and M & Co, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

About

Her expertise lies in strategic planning, forecasting, and trading, all of which contribute to driving business growth. Alison’s last corporate role at John Lewis involved merchandising, where she ensured optimal stock levels for the fashion teams covering Women's, Men's, Jewellery, Lingerie and Kid's.

Mission

Our mission is to bring corporate levels of merchandising to smaller retailers so that they can scale their already successful business to greater heights.

Vision

Our vision is to collaborate with retailers who share our passion for product and sustainability, envisioning a world where our children can grow up in an equal society, accessible to all.

Not sure what a Merchandiser does?

It's not Visual Merchandising which sits under marketing, and works out perfect product placements both in store and online. Merchandising is all about supply chain, logistics and stock. The job starts at the point of deciding how much to order, monitoring the progress through the suppliers, intaking the stock into the warehouse, trading to maximise sales and then exiting any left over product out of the business.
I am overseas or in a hard-to-reach location, can you help me?

Although based in the UK, we have worked with companies overseas. Instead of doing a day in person, the same results can be achieved by splitting the topics over a few video calls.
Is my company too small for this service?

No, we have worked with companies of many different sizes, companies whose turnover is under £1m generally only need a half day.
What do I need to do to prepare for the Stock Audit day?

You will be sent over some questions before the audit so that we can cover your responses on the day. The responses will provide a clearer understanding of the challenges your business is facing, what your priorities should be and recommended next steps.
My margins and very tight, what is the benefit for me to invest in Merchandising?

Putting in the best practise Merchandising tools and processes should pay for itself. If you are overstocked, the amount of money you need at the beginning of the season to pay for supplier orders will reduce and free up cash flow. If you are understocked, you will see your sales and in turn your profits increase.
What services are the most common ones that you offer to clients?

· Weekly Trade Reports · Monthly Order Reviews · Seasonal Lessons Learnt · Forecasting future season orders · Planning your next season for both sales and stock · Training to develop these skill sets in house
What tools and systems are available for stock management?

For planning, you may come across these: Category Plans Option Framework Range Plans WSSI (Weekly Sales Stock and Intake) For trading, you may come across these: WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) OMS (Order Management Systems) Replenishment and Line Cards Delivery Schedule
Is my company too small for this service?

No, we have worked with companies of many different sizes, companies whose turnover is under £1m generally only need a half day.
I am overseas or in a hard-to-reach location, can you help me?

Although based in the UK, we have worked with companies overseas. Instead of doing this in person, the same results can be achieved by splitting the topics over video calls which are shorter, although this way of working will take slightly longer.
That is a long list, do I need all of them?

You will have a version of most of these tools and systems, however, the area that most retailers are lacking is the planning area. It is key to have a plan at the beginning of the season so that as stock arrives and starts to sell, there is a clear view as to its performance. Without a plan, businesses will be on a back foot and react to trade rather than feel in control and make better decisions.

RIP Mattew Perry, you made me LOL on so many occasions.