Case Study hmv - sofco Limited

hmv is a leading specialist retailer of music, film, games and technology products, with over 120 stores around the UK, offering a wide selection of new release and catalogue titles.

The hmv brand, made famous by the iconic image of the ‘dog and trumpet’ trademark featuring ‘Nipper, is practically synonymous with the very history and development of British popular music and culture. hmv’s rich heritage as a retail specialist stretches back over 90 years to 20th July 1921 when its first store in London’s Oxford Street was officially opened by the celebrated British composer and conductor, Sir Edward Elgar.

Since that time hmv has made music and entertainment available to its customers in every format imaginable: from sheet music and the earliest gramophone 78s to today’s digital downloads. On the way hmv has, of course, notably also taken in vinyl singles and albums, cassettes and CDs as well as film and TV content on VHS, DVD & Blu-ray and games titles across all platforms. More recently still hmv has gone ‘back to the future’ by carrying the latest portable technology such as headphones and tablets.

Company	Founded in 1921, London 2017 revenue: > £300 million Operations throughout UK 128 Stores
Objectives	Increase forecast reactivity and accuracy Improve initial allocation of chart product to store Optimise inventory levels in store Centralise range management
Solution	Store Forecasting Supplier DC Replenishment DC to Store Replenishment Supplier to Store Replenishment New Release Chart Management Back Catalogue Management Store Ranging
Results	Central management of product in store 25% reduction in inventory to achieve same service level Reduction in overall head count for inventory administration Reduction in volume of recall, leading to improved supplier relationship