Overview
An allocator is responsible for making certain that resources are allocated to their fullest potential. The goal of an allocator is to make sure the right goods are in the right place at the right time.
Depending on the amount of stores and products an organization has, the allocation process can happen multiple times a week (sometimes daily), in order to ensure the stores are stocked correctly for the upcoming selling cycle.
An allocator works with Planning, Merchandising and Store Operations to build the allocation strategies.
Allocation Cycle
Allocation is the last stop in the process to get goods to stores and in the customers' hands. However, the work, analysis and input goes full circle. Allocators' knowledge of product performance at a cluster/store can help define assortments and delivery.
In - Season - This is the day to day needs to meet current demands and operations.
Reviewing current stock levels at the store level vs capacity.
Fill back into inventory for each store.
Fine tune allocation strategies by product by cluster/store level based on current performance.
Highlight and report on exceptions for the broader team.
What products are beating expectations by store or cluster?
What products are not working as expected in certain stores?
Are there any color or size scale shifts based on store or region?
etc
Work with cross functional partners on new floorset assortments and depth and shifts needed to make room for new products in stores.
Working with the Warehouse team on timing and expectations of Transfer Orders (TO's).
Communicate with Store Ops team on assortment and timing.
Pre - Season - The store level analytics needed to build future assortments effectively.
Build Store Clusters by category.
Assist in understanding of the mix of newness, core and carry-over and the impacts on sku count.
Give direction on purchase order need to hit expected store clusters.
Inventory strategies for new stores.
Conclusion
Allocators play a vital role in any organization or company. By ensuring that goods are allocated in the most efficient and effective way possible, they can help drive a healthy bottom line. Allocation should be included in store/product strategic decisions as they the last touch point before the customer buys the goods.