Restocking

Restocking is the process of replenishing inventory or shelf space after stock has been depleted to satisfy customer demand. It applies in retail stores, warehouses, and e-commerce operations, as well as in manufacturing supply chains that replenish production lines.

In stores, restocking involves moving items from backroom stock to selling floors and ensuring shelves reflect planograms while minimizing handling time. In warehouses, replenishment positions stock where it can fulfill orders efficiently and maintains minimum levels of safety stock.

Key concepts include lead time, demand during lead time, safety stock, and reorder points. A reorder point is the stock level at which a replenishment order should be placed. Economic order quantity, when used, estimates an optimal order size to balance holding costs and ordering costs. Perpetual inventory systems and cycle counting help track stock accuracy and availability.

replenishment strategies include continuous replenishment, where orders are triggered automatically as stock falls below thresholds; push replenishment driven by forecasts; pull replenishment based on real-time sales data; and vendor-managed inventory, in which suppliers monitor and replenish stock. Planning tools such as forecast accuracy and demand planning influence restocking frequency and size.

In retail, planograms, shelf-ready packaging, and staffing affect practical restocking. In warehouses, efficiency focuses on minimizing stockouts, reducing recovery time, and optimizing space. Coordination with suppliers and logistics is especially important during promotions or seasonal demand.

Common metrics include fill rate, stock-out rate, inventory turnover, and days of supply. Restocking aims to maximize product availability while controlling carrying costs and cash flow.