The retail sector is navigating one of the most dynamic and competitive environments in decades. From supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures to shifting consumer expectations and rapid digital transformation, leaders are under pressure to deliver profitable growth while managing costs.
In this article, we explore how Connected Planning – powered by data analytics, scenario modelling, and integrated reporting – enables retailers to respond faster, make better decisions, and stay ahead of change.
The retail reality: Pressures and opportunities
Retailers are facing an intricate puzzle of demands:
- Margin pressure: Rising costs of goods, wages, and logistics are colliding with consumers’ increasing price sensitivity.
- Evolving consumer expectations: Shoppers expect convenience, speed, personalisation, and transparency in how and where products are sourced.
- Technology acceleration: AI and data-driven planning are reshaping inventory management, forecasting, and personalised marketing.
- Supply chain fragility: Global disruptions have made resilience and predictability top priorities.
- Regulatory shifts: Reporting and disclosure requirements are expanding, adding further complexity.
While these factors create challenges, they also present opportunities for retailers who plan better and move faster than competitors.
Breaking down silos for smarter retail planning
“Too often, we are still seeing retail planning processes that are outdated and fragmented,” explains Steve Bows, Zooss Managing Director and Master Anaplanner.
“Complex, large-scale retail businesses are relying on legacy spreadsheets, unreliable data, disconnected systems, and siloed teams to make high-stakes commercial decisions. And – not surprisingly – the result is inefficient promotions, margin erosion, and supply chains that are easily disrupted.”
The most successful retailers take a different approach: integrated planning, where commercial, financial, and operational decisions are connected – not made in isolation.
Connected Planning for retail growth
By linking demand signals, supply chain capacity, promotional strategies, and financial models, Connected Planning gives retailers the agility to respond with speed and confidence.
By joining the dots, retailers can:
- Optimise inventory and resource allocation
Predictive modelling and AI-driven analytics deliver more accurate forecasts, optimised stock levels, and reduced waste – boosting profitability while minimising write-offs. - Enhance supply chain resilience
Scenario modelling helps retailers identify vulnerabilities, diversify suppliers, and prepare for disruptions, ensuring stronger continuity and fewer stockouts. - Improve promotional effectiveness
By connecting sales, marketing, and financial data, retailers can plan promotions that protect margins and truly resonate with customers. - Build customer loyalty
Integrated reporting provides transparency on sourcing, product availability, and performance – strengthening trust and delivering on rising expectations. - Access capital at lower cost
Investors and lenders increasingly back businesses with strong planning and risk management capabilities. Retailers with connected plans demonstrate discipline, foresight, and resilience.
Sustainability as part of retail planning
Across all business sectors, expectations from regulators, investors, and customers around sustainability are intensifying. By embedding ESG data into the same planning and reporting processes that guide finance, supply chain, and operations, retailers can balance the immediate commercial imperatives of today with the long-term responsibility of building a resilient and sustainable business for tomorrow.
“Connected Planning brings these dual priorities together, helping retailers protect margins, strengthen reputation, and build resilience in a changing market,” says Steve.
With integrated sustainability planning, retailers can:
- Model the commercial impact of new climate and waste regulations
- Track and reduce waste and emissions across the value chain
- Demonstrate compliance and transparency that builds trust with regulators and customers
Connected Planning – a retail game-changer
Retail businesses that continue with fragmented, spreadsheet-driven planning risk margin erosion, missed consumer expectations, and exposure to compliance risks. But those who embrace Connected Planning will be better positioned to optimise margins, strengthen customer loyalty, and build resilience in the face of supply chain disruption.
In a sector where change is constant, better planning is not just a competitive advantage, it’s the foundation for long-term success.
How Zooss can help
Zooss Consulting specialises in uniting finance, operations, and sustainability planning through data analytics, connected planning platforms, and integrated reporting.
Our team has deep experience in delivering transformation projects for enterprise-scale – bringing clarity to decision-making and enabling better business outcomes.
Find out more
- Zooss to transform promotional processes for Wesfarmers Health
- Anaplan Partner delivering better planning for businesses in Australia & NZ
- Worldwide reach, local expertise: Global Anaplan Implementation Network
- Mandatory climate-related reporting in Australia: What directors need to focus on in FY2026
- Sustainability and the fashion sector
- Ready to start planning sustainably? Contact us.
Better Planning. Better Planet.