Events
Event Review
Replenishment without AI?
This is a risk no one can afford anymore.
Half a day that makes an impact.
On May 16, 2025, 30 top decision-makers from the fashion and retail sectors came together in Frankfurt am Main to discuss the future of inventory management. Host Roland Berger, together with SPH AG and WAIR AI, invited guests to a half-day executive event that impressed with strong real-world examples, clear analyses, and a compelling message: Replenishment is now inseparably linked to AI.
An exclusive setting, a clear agenda, and conversations on equal footing
The format was deliberately tailored to C-level decision-makers. There was no technical deep dive, but rather a strategic exchange in a confidential setting. In this intentionally small group, challenges, experiences, and barriers were openly addressed and discussed.
After the welcome by Detlef Beiter (SPH AG) and Evelijn Zikken (Roland Berger), Eduard Vinokurov (SPH AG) kicked off the session with a well-founded overview of the current state of AI in retail. Concrete, operationally relevant, and free of buzzwords.
Next, Mitch van Deursen (WAIR AI) demonstrated how AI agents in replenishment are already a reality. They act autonomously, in real time, and more precisely than any manual process. “Smart Replenishment” was positioned as a strategic lever – not an IT project. Because replenishment is not a systems topic, but a business issue.
Why smart replenishment with AI is essential now
The diagnosis was clear: the fashion market doesn’t suffer from too much inventory, but from a lack of control. Between overstocks and out-of-stocks, businesses are flying blind. AI-based solutions provide relief by making daily micro-decisions based on sales data, forecasts, and defined parameters.
Results from real-world projects prove the point:
Overstock is reduced by up to 80%.
Forecast accuracy reaches up to 95%.
Revenue increases by 16%, while surplus inventory drops below 2%.
There is a significant margin improvement through more targeted allocation.
Shoeby, DAKA, and Only for Men are benchmarks for smart replenishment
The use cases presented from the WAIR portfolio made one thing clear: AI works in practice. It is scalable, sustainable, and delivers measurable impact.
Shoeby, for example, reduced excess inventory from 22% to 5% – while maintaining high availability. DAKA Sports Retail cut overstock by more than 45 percentage points.
The message is clear: Those who manage their inventory with data and AI increase their profitability – not occasionally, but sustainably.
Changing perspectives: from push to pull
Oliver Hein (former COO of s.Oliver) took a strategic look at the industry’s development. Based on the “State of Fashion Report 2025,” he painted a picture of growing uncertainty: volatile markets, geopolitical tensions, and consumer behavior that challenges traditional planning logics.
The shift from fast fashion to real-time fashion – with SHEIN as a cautionary example – underscores that classical procurement cycles are too slow.
To stay competitive, companies must abandon the supply-driven push model.
His conclusion: Only with AI-powered control, data-driven flexibility, and a genuine mindset shift can the transition succeed – from control to trust, and from planning to real time.
The key takeaways at a glance
1. Replenishment becomes a strategic lever.
It’s not the assortment that makes the difference, but the ability to adjust flexibly and precisely.
2. The shift from push to pull is inevitable.
Wholesale logics are losing effectiveness. Relevance arises where the customer buys – not where planning happens.
3. AI becomes an integral team member.
Digital agents take over routine tasks, structure processes, and noticeably relieve teams.
4. Speed beats perfection.
In shortened sales cycles, it’s not the plan that counts, but the ability to respond in real time.
5. The mindset shift is critical.
Technology is available. What matters is the courage to change and the willingness to take new paths.
What remains?
The boom years are over. But those who steer with precision can remain profitable even in uncertain times. AI-driven replenishment is no longer a future topic – it’s reality. It is the key lever to turn volatility back into reliability. Those who act today will lead tomorrow.
The journey continues in Amsterdam
For those who want to dive deeper, there’s another opportunity in June:
At the Deep Dive “Mission: More Margin” on June 26 & 27, 2025 in Amsterdam, we’ll go straight to the companies – with live insights on site from Shoeby & Only for Men.
👉 www.sph-ag.com/amsterdam
Impressions
