A reading-glass rack is functionally out of stock when customers cannot find the powers they need, even if the display still looks full. Audit the rack by power availability, not only total units.
Start with the power map
List the powers the store intends to carry and count what is available on the display plus usable backstock.
Look for three problems
- Missing powers: no units available in a required strength.
- Shallow powers: only one unit remains behind a power that sells frequently.
- Misplaced powers: product exists but is in the wrong position and difficult to find.
Do not let style quantity hide the gap
Many frames in slow powers do not compensate for missing core powers. Inventory should be judged by whether the assortment can complete the customer's shopping mission.
Use the audit to change reorders
Repeated functional stockouts are evidence that the original allocation needs to change.
Over-the-counter readers are not a substitute for professional eye care or prescribed lenses.
Continue: Reading-Glass Power Assortment Planning.