Data-driven planning

Compiled by Kenneth Røsseth-Sørensen, CEO, Retail Insight AS

Retail is changing – and staffing is at the center.
For decades, scheduling was based on gut feeling, rotation, and “what worked last season.” Today, leading retailers are turning to predictive staffing powered by AI and data-driven planning – transforming efficiency, employee satisfaction, and customer experience.

The Problem with Traditional Scheduling

• Guesswork over data: Managers often rely on historical averages, not real traffic patterns.

• Flat rosters: Hours spread evenly across the week instead of matching demand peaks.

• Hidden costs: Overstaffing hurts margins; understaffing damages customer service.

The result? Lost sales opportunities, stressed employees, and frustrated customers.

What Predictive Staffing Delivers

1. Accurate Traffic Forecasts
   AI models analyze footfall, weather, events, promotions, and seasonality to predict traffic hour by hour.

2. Optimal Staffing Levels
   Schedules are dynamically adjusted to ensure the right number of staff – not too many, not too few – exactly when needed.

3. Skill-Based Allocation
   Predictive models don’t just count heads; they ensure the right skills are available during peak moments (e.g., product experts on Saturday afternoons).

4. Data-Driven Fairness
   Rotas can balance employee preferences, contractual obligations, and labor laws – improving satisfaction while cutting admin time.

Benefits for Retailers

• Higher conversion & revenue: Customers find staff available at the right time.

• Lower labor costs per sale: Every hour worked contributes more to sales.

• Better employee experience: Predictable shifts, less stress, and higher engagement.

• Agility: Adjust staffing for unexpected events in real time.

Real Example

A Nordic specialty retailer saw:

• +8% uplift in sales per staff hour

• 20% reduction in scheduling conflicts

• Fewer last-minute shift changes

All within the first 12 weeks of implementing predictive staffing.

Why Now?

The retail environment is tougher than ever – rising labor costs, tighter margins, and changing consumer behavior. Traditional scheduling can’t keep up. Predictive staffing is no longer optional – it’s the competitive advantage.

How Retail Insight Helps

1. Prediction Module: AI-powered forecasts for traffic, sales, and staffing demand.

2. Analytics: Clear dashboards showing where efficiency is gained or lost.

3. Performance Tools: Micro-learning and feedback loops to align teams with goals.

• See it live: Book a 15-min demo and discover how predictive staffing could reshape your operations.

• Test it: Run a pilot in selected stores – measure impact, no long-term risk.

• Unlock ROI: Let your data show you where profit is being left on the table.

Contact support@retailinsight.no or click Book Demo to start your predictive staffing journey.

Article made available by Kenneth Røsseth-Sørensen, CEO, Retail Insight