Guide
Stockouts explained
An empty shelf is a lost sale, and often a lost trip for the customer.
What is a stockout?
A stockout (or out-of-stock) occurs when a product is not available on the shelf when a customer wants to buy it. Customers may substitute, buy elsewhere or skip the purchase. Repeated stockouts erode loyalty.
Common causes
- Demand higher than forecast, for example on a hot day or around an event.
- Orders not adjusted for holidays or calendar shifts.
- Product in the store but not on the shelf (replenishment issues).
- Supplier shortfalls or late deliveries.
Forecasting addresses the first two directly: it anticipates peaks so the right quantity is ordered in time.
Stockouts and waste are linked
Stores often respond to stockouts by ordering more across the board, which creates waste on normal days. Targeted forecasts let a store order more only when the peak is expected.
Ready to cut away the waste?
Tell us about your store or chain, and we will show you how AI sales forecasting can help you order the right products in the right quantities.