New study finds shift in retail strategy among supply chain management executives

The results of a new study indicate that retailers are increasingly shifting their approach to supply chain management and business cost reduction initiatives.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and Auburn University conducted the study, "State of the Retail Supply Chain Report." This year's iteration of the study found that retailers and supply chain management executives are increasingly shifting their focus away from cost reduction campaigns and toward fueling growth.

Moreover, the report also explored how retailers are working to adjust their strategies to contend with changing consumer demands. Researchers from Auburn and RILA surveyed more than 190 retail supply chain executives in their work, with such professionals working at companies whose revenue exceeded $1 billion. Parag Jategaonkar, a senior executive at Accenture, which commissioned the study, said that the findings underscored systemic changes currently taking place within the retail sector.

"This study will be essential reading for a wide cross-section of retail supply chain executives seeking insights into the key supply chain trends taking place in retail, including multichannel operations," Jategaonkar said in a statement. "Accenture's own experience with clients indicates an increasing focus amongst retailers on developing their supply chains to more effectively deliver a compelling customer experience, regardless of the channel."