Paper and More

Provides a context and exercise for introducing retail inventory management, including cost optimization, service-level criteria, and forecasting in single and multiproduct settings. The owner of a single-location paper and paper products store considers the implications of expansion for inventory management. Considerations include lost sales, retail metrics for multiproduct settings, and shelf space constraints. An Excel spreadsheet accompanies and is integral to the case, allowing students to explore these issues. For spreadsheet inquiries, please contact customer service at 1-800-545-7685 or custserv@hbsp.harvard.edu