Postponement and logistics flexibility in retailing: a multiple case study from Sweden
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how postponement is applied in retailing and how such application is connected to logistics flexibility.
Design/methodology/approach
An overview of the established typological classifications of postponement and logistics flexibility is presented followed by empirical results from three case studies of retailers of electronics, furniture, and grocery in Sweden. The study relies on primary qualitative data gathered on the retailers as well as secondary material on some suppliers including logistics providers for further insight.
Findings
The results of the study show that retailers have different practices when it comes to postponement and speculation; however, there is a growing tendency toward postponement among retailers by exploring new means of applying postponement. The results reveal that retailers that have higher application of postponement seem to be more flexible in their logistics operations.
Research limitations/implications
The paper provides direction for further empirical research of the topic, by indicating the application of postponement is not constrained to the point of purchase and could be extended by involving consumers as well as capitalizing on suppliers’ competences and capabilities. Especially, sales services, software, and upgrades could provide opportunity for further expanding the concept.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the existing literature on logistics practices of postponement and speculation, as well as logistics flexibility by focussing on retail firms in Sweden. Most of the prior scholarly work on postponement and flexibility is on the manufacturing context.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was funded by The Swedish Retail and Wholesale Council (Handelnsrådet). The corresponding author would like to thank Dr Lianguang Cui for providing a part of the secondary data. This paper is based on the corresponding author’s PhD dissertation.
Citation
Jafari, H., Nyberg, A. and Hilletofth, P. (2016), "Postponement and logistics flexibility in retailing: a multiple case study from Sweden", Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 116 No. 3, pp. 445-465. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-06-2015-0257
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited