End-to-end Demand Forecasting
Drive Profitable Decisions with Accurate Forecasts Throughout the Entire Lifecycle of Each Product.
Demand Forecasting Across the Product Lifecycle
Every product goes through a lifecycle — from launch to peak demand to eventual phase-out. Managing inventory across each stage can be complex, and without the right insights, decisions often become reactive and inefficient. Churchill’s End-to-End Forecasting Solution equips you with the visibility you need at every phase, so you can plan proactively and drive better outcomes throughout the product’s journey.
The Impact of Forecast-Driven Planning
Churchill’s end-to-end forecasting solution enables retailers to make more informed decisions, adapt to change with confidence, and improve results across the entire product lifecycle.
Smarter Inventory Investment
Improve the accuracy of your Merchandise Planning and avoid both overbuying and underbuying — ensuring more effective Purchasing decisions for each item.
More Precise Store-Level Allocation
Ensure that each store gets the right products in the right quantities to facilitate a successful start to the season.
Continuous Sell-Through Forecasting
Gain ongoing visibility into how each item is performing at the store level — and understand how it’s expected to progress throughout the season.
Increased Full-Price Sell-Through
Drive more full-price sales by aligning inventory decisions with demand — improving margins and reducing reliance on promotions and deep discounts.
Leaner Markdown Budgets
Minimize markdowns by placing products where they’re most likely to sell at full price — reducing the need for discounts later in the season.
Reduced Discount Depth
Forecast how pricing changes will impact demand, so you can take smaller, more effective markdowns — protecting margin without sacrificing sales.
What Does a Forecast-Driven Season Look Like?
Let’s take a look at a hypothetical retail season to understand how Churchill supports end-to-end forecasting — from the initial buy to the final markdown. Each stage reveals how smarter forecasting leads to better decisions, stronger performance, and fewer surprises along the way.
Pre-Season Demand Planning
As retailers start preparing for the new season, Churchill provides a clear, SKU/store-level view of expected demand before the season begins — whether it’s for a proven product or a new item. This allows you to set the right initial buy quantities and avoid costly missteps in Purchasing.
Smart Store-Level Allocation
Once assortment and buying decisions are made, Churchill guides the next move — getting the right products to the right stores. Allocation is driven by where the demand is expected to be — maximizing full priced sales.
Demand Forecasting for Replenishment
As the season unfolds, Churchill continuously updates demand forecasts. Within weeks, you’ll see which items are falling short or exceeding expectations — so your next inventory release goes where it’s needed most.
Demand Forecasting for Promotional Events
When promotional activity is planned, Churchill forecasts expected uplift in demand and quantifies the Cannibalization and Halo effects on related products. This allows you to plan more effective promotions, avoid unintended demand shifts, and protect overall category performance.
Demand-Based Replenishment Adjustments
If a second replenishment is required, Churchill updates the forecast to pinpoint where additional inventory is still needed — and where it’s not — so you can ship with precision and avoid overstock.
Targeted Timing and Depth of Price Reductions
As the season progresses, Churchill software flags items forecasted to miss their sell-thru goals and triggers markdown recommendations based on projected demand. This helps you determine the right timing and depth — avoiding steep discounts when a smaller markdown will do the job.
Optimized Multi-Stage Markdown Strategies
If your pricing policy includes a second markdown, Churchill supports it with updated demand forecasts for each phase. Whether you take one markdown or two, our system adapts to your strategy — helping you make informed, well-timed pricing decisions through the end of the season.
Post-Season Demand Analysis
At season’s end, Churchill provides a full picture of demand — including lost sales — to inform smarter purchasing for future cycles. As more data is collected over time, especially if early inputs were limited or fragmented, forecast accuracy continues to improve — strengthening long-term planning and future decision-making.
Explore Churchill Solutions by Area of Focus
Choose your area of responsibility to see how Churchill supports smarter decisions across the product lifecycle.
Merchandise Planning
Build the right Seasonal Assortments for every location and manage Sell-Through based on full-season demand.
Supply Chain
Support smarter allocation, replenishment, and liquidation across your network.
Price Optimization
Fine-tune regular prices, promotions, and markdowns; anticipate Halo and Cannibalization effects.