Retail Solutions Operational Management Consulting

is a tool focused on increasing revenue, driving down costs, improving profitability and training. We tailor for the client and assess key areas such as Strategy, Inventory, IS, HR, Operations, Purchase to Payment, Merchandising, Category Management, Financial Reporting and Supply Chain.

Using our extensive controls experience, we offer a methodical review and analysis of cash and merchandise processes and systems security. System weaknesses are identified and strengthened focusing on fraud prevention and detection.

Any successful retailer requires a clear documented strategy to minimize risk, optimize success, and attract private or public investment. We develop and/or validate retail strategies and all components. (e.g. location, format, logistics, pricing, assortment, financial).

We assess financial reporting and planning systems while identifying variances from best practices. We also develop, integrate and assist with preparation of plans related to balance sheet, inventory roll-forward, new store proforma’s, long term financial projections, monthly financial packages and cash flow.

We have developed a 7 step methodology which enables a rapid assessment of the business to create value. Our steps include: analysis of situation, asset protection, stabilization, strategic options, operational review, rapid action plan, go forward. We also provide hands on operational turnaround.

Our multi language cash flow program enables weekly cash management incorporating past trends and future projections. Our software is proprietary and can be implemented with any existing ERP system presently in use by a retailer.

Our audit of A/P requires identifying, documenting and recovering over payments and under deductions, discounts & allowances, deal allowances, price overcharges, discounts on charge-backs, PO violations, duplicate adjustments, calculation errors, VAT tax errors, input errors. We also perform …real estate audits.

For companies considering or preparing for an eventual IPO, our Retail Diagnostic and Management Board Advisory Services along with our remaining five financial service modules are ideally suited and key to a successful preparation and bridging of the new IPO reporting requirements.

We consider appointments to company management and supervisory boards which enables us to share our extensive international retail knowledge such as strategic development, objectives, acquisitions and current operations.

We offer complete or pre due diligence services including data gathering, data room preparation, strategy validation, strategy recommendations data analysis, identify operation issues, identify financial issues, valuation and multiples assistances.

“Executive Cockpit” a proprietary design, incorporates our extensive retail business knowledge from a top down perspective giving senior executives and investors a clear, consistent, comparable and timely view of performance.

Our proprietary tracking and reporting system can be used by lenders, investors and senior management. This results in an improved lending environment via bringing visibility and controls to inventory which is used as collateral.

Shrinkage losses due to a combination of supplier fraud, process failures, internal theft and external theft often are 2-4%. Our 8 step methodology identifies the main reasons for shrinkage in all parts of your organization and sets up a program to implement needed improvements and decrease losses.

Using our proprietary methodology, “WeDRIL” (Warehousing, “evaluation”, Inventory, Replenishment, Distribution, Logistics), we provide an end to end audit diagnostic review of the entire supply chain spectrum. Our objective is to streamline costs, enhance merchandise and asset controls.

Our cost and expense control methodology, quickly identifies opportunities and steps for keeping your business in the black. Our process will locate hard/soft and long/short term savings, providing recommendations to obtain results.

Using WeDRIL, we offer an end to end analysis and evaluation of the entire SCM path. We review each step and propose concrete recommendations for optimization of cost and speed of products to the market.Using our proprietary methodology, “WeDRIL” (Warehousing, “evaluation”, Inventory, Replenishment, Distribution.

Category Management is a source of competitive advantage for a company, which allows a retailer to differentiate itself from its competitors while achieving better economic results. CM goes much beyond space management and shelf optimization.

Often logistics is best outsourced to companies who specialize in a particular service. We provide an assessment whether this is a viable option, then assist in developing a 3rd party solution which will fulfill a companies needs optimally.

One of the key components of a successful retail strategy is that of Private Label. We are able to provide complete strategy, development, implementation, sourcing, positioning, tactics and typical customer perceptions for a total Private Label program development and implementation.

We assist retailers with strategic sourcing initiatives within the key areas of pricing, supplier contract review, performance review, packaging and assistance with buyer/supplier negotiation templates.

We have partnered with a professional design company, Ian Bryan & Associates, to offer a 3 stage design process 1) concept 2) development and 3) detailed. Design documents and layouts can thereafter be developed by local consultants for the construction process and blueprint.

We determine the viability of a franchise operation. Afterwards our methods provides the framework for creating a disclosure document and business which incorporates strategy, contract fees, cost terms, location terms, buildings, equipment and supplies, operating practices, termination/renewal & areas of caution for development.

Working with your IT group, we offer end to end service development of customer internet ordering to include strategy, web design and development, delivery, payment settlement, returns, rollout, customer service and service levels.

Transactions & TrainingWe can provide a platform for companies interested in entering the Russian/ Central European/CIS markets and partnering transactions. Details to be discussed on an individual basis. Where needed, training can be provided in all areas to both local and non local professionals.