The individual tasks of freight processing vary from one retailer to another. The size of the delivery, the type of products, location for receiving and method of tagging each play a vital part in merchandise handling. However, the overall concept of receiving merchandise is very similar across most retail stores.
Preparing for Merchandise Receipt
Whether an order is placed weekly with a home office distribution center, seasonally at buying events or randomly with individual vendors, the store manager or owner will most likely be informed of the intended shipping date and can prepare for receipt of the merchandise.
Stockrooms and storage areas should always be clean and well organized to allow for easy access to merchandise. A few days before the scheduled receiving date, spend time rotating overstock and moving back stock to the sales floor. Create bulk displays and add additional shelving, if necessary, to reduce the amount of freight in the back room. Remember, it cannot sell if the customer cannot see it.
Retail chain stores often schedule weekly deliveries of ordered inventory to arrive at each store on a predetermined day of the week. Knowing when the merchandise will arrive can aid in scheduling extra staff.
Some retail stores hire personnel specifically for merchandise handling and stocking, others distribute this work among sales staff. Be sure to have adequate coverage on the sales floor, as well as receiving. Shoplifters may be waiting for your weekly truck to arrive because they know the employees are busy checking in freight and not watching the store.
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