Optimizing an Omnichannel Retail Strategy Considering Customer Segmentation

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Optimizing an Omnichannel Retail Strategy Considering Customer Segmentation
Language: English
Authors: Shuangpeng Yang, Li Zhang (ORCID 0009-0008-5537-3660)
Source: Evaluation Review. 2025 49(5):814-850.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 37
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Retailing, Geographic Distribution, Models, Algorithms, Probability
DOI: 10.1177/0193841X251328710
ISSN: 0193-841X
1552-3926
Abstract: Unlike previous studies on fixed logistics nodes, this research explored how consumer distribution impacts store selection and inventory balance, integrating the "ship-from-store" strategy to increase fulfillment within multiperiod sales plans. Specifically, omnichannel retailers (O-tailer) must sequentially decide on inventory replenishment from suppliers to the distribution center (DC), allocation from the DC to stores, and which department will fulfill online orders. We introduce a multiperiod stochastic optimization model and solve it with a robust two-stage approach (RTA). In Stage 1, we use the K-means algorithm and silhouette coefficients to determine the optimal number of stores. In Stage 2, linear decision rule (LDR) are employed to decide on replenishment, allocation, and order fulfillment quantities. Numerical experiments show that RTA outperforms existing methods, achieving solutions with efficiency gaps of less than 10%, even when assumptions are not fully met. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis shows that variations in product prices, fulfillment costs, market share, and customer distribution consistently lead to greater profits with the "ship-from-store" strategy.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1482118
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:Unlike previous studies on fixed logistics nodes, this research explored how consumer distribution impacts store selection and inventory balance, integrating the "ship-from-store" strategy to increase fulfillment within multiperiod sales plans. Specifically, omnichannel retailers (O-tailer) must sequentially decide on inventory replenishment from suppliers to the distribution center (DC), allocation from the DC to stores, and which department will fulfill online orders. We introduce a multiperiod stochastic optimization model and solve it with a robust two-stage approach (RTA). In Stage 1, we use the K-means algorithm and silhouette coefficients to determine the optimal number of stores. In Stage 2, linear decision rule (LDR) are employed to decide on replenishment, allocation, and order fulfillment quantities. Numerical experiments show that RTA outperforms existing methods, achieving solutions with efficiency gaps of less than 10%, even when assumptions are not fully met. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis shows that variations in product prices, fulfillment costs, market share, and customer distribution consistently lead to greater profits with the "ship-from-store" strategy.
ISSN:0193-841X
1552-3926
DOI:10.1177/0193841X251328710