Tracking availability in c-store sector

Grocer, Sept 6, 2003

Suppliers will be able to get an accurate picture of product availability in the c-store sector for the first time claimed Harris International Marketing after it signed a deal with Field Services Solutions.

From this month, Field Services staff will feed back monthly on-shelf availability data on the participating brands from 600 c-stores, a number that is expected to rise to some 2,000 stores within a few months.

Data from the Convenience Tracking Programme suggested c-stores were losing as much as 650m [pounds sterling] every year through non-availability of key products, said HIM'S MD Tom Fender. "The audit will highlight areas where suppliers can work closely with retailers to capture lost sales."

The project will be largely funded by manufacturers including Ginsters, Allied Bakeries and Robert Wiseman Dairies, although retailers will pay a nominal fee. Initially, the focus will be on on-shelf availability, but price, promotional compliance and the number of facings given to brands could also be included in the audit.