Supply Chain Value Assessment Case Study

CLIENT: A multi-billion dollar department store chain retailer

The challenge

This department store chain retailer operating stores nationally needed to quickly reduce expenses without compromising service delivery. PwC Canada’s Retail Consulting Services conducted a supply chain value assessment and was able to rapidly identify a number of potential cost efficiency and process improvement opportunities.

Our approach

PwC Canada’s Retail Consulting Services assisted the retailer to better manage store delivery frequency to better match customer demand and sell-through. In addition, PwC Canada’s Retail Consulting Services worked on restructuring the supply chain organization to eliminate duplication across the retail and direct-to-consumer channels, reviewed distribution center practices to identify issues with work standards and performance, and examined supply chain value added services to evaluate appropriate handling of costs associated with these services.

The result

• The retailer realized several million in annualized supply chain-related cost savings
• The retailer implemented most of the initiatives within four months, thereby realizing significant labor and transportation cost savings