Management Improvement plan.
As part of a semester-long business consulting project, my team partnered with San Juan Sports, an independent outdoor retailer located in Creede, Colorado. Through research, observation, and business analysis, we identified operational challenges affecting efficiency, inventory management, and long-term growth. Our objective was to develop practical, data-driven solutions that aligned with the realities of a small-town, tourism-driven retail business.
Challenge
Our analysis revealed two primary areas for improvement:
Internal communication gaps between management and employees
Excess seasonal inventory paired with an underutilized e-commerce platform
These challenges created inefficiencies in daily operations, limited inventory visibility, and reduced opportunities to generate revenue outside of peak tourism seasons.
Research & Analysis
To evaluate potential solutions, our team researched communication systems used by major retailers and analyzed inventory management strategies within the outdoor industry. We compared practices from organizations such as Walmart, Target, Unilever, and Siemens, while also examining inventory models used by successful outdoor brands like Melanzana.
Recommendations
Our proposed solutions included:
Implementing a centralized communication platform
Establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Conducting weekly team meetings
Creating clearer role assignments during inventory processing
Improving inventory forecasting and sales tracking
Adjusting seasonal buying strategies
Expanding e-commerce offerings
Integrating inventory management across online and in-store channels
Utilizing digital marketing to support year-round sales growth
Skills Demonstrated
Business Analysis
Retail Operations
Inventory Management
Consumer & Market Research
Strategic Planning
E-Commerce Strategy
Team Collaboration
Professional Consulting & Presentation
Outcome
This project strengthened my understanding of how operational decisions, inventory planning, communication systems, and digital retail strategies impact overall business performance. It also allowed me to apply classroom concepts to a real business environment while developing practical recommendations tailored to the unique needs of an independent outdoor retailer.