Costly Out-Of-Stocks: A grocery-industry survey found when customers can’t find what they want in stock, up to 43% go to another store--many taking the rest of their shopping away as well. Another 25% won’t buy the item at all. Out-of-stock causes include retailers underestimating demand, using too-slow ordering systems, and not shelving received items quickly enough. (CBA E-news 12/30/02)
http://garydfoster.com