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Unit 12: Stores Management

A typical day starts at 7am where she’ll see to the produce in the morning, manage the till Notes
operators and the ‘biggie’ of the day is making sure there’s enough space for the Thursday
or Sunday special offers. Then there’s the close - cleaning the store, cashing up (when I’m
in charge), banking and paperwork. “It’s a busy old day but it’s easy when your team is
hard working, enthusiastic and cooperative. I love working with them but I love socialising
with them even more. Last Christmas, the whole team went on a night out! It was a lot of
fun.”
When the manager is away Natalie runs the store. “The first time I realised I was in charge
of a multi-million pound retail operation it was a huge thrill I can tell you.”

“Some people think that if you work at Aldi the hours are ridiculous and you never get
any time off. It’s not true at all. I get 2 days off a week like most of the rest of the country.
Our rotas are quite flexible so if there’s anything I need specific time off for I can work my
hours round it.”
Source: http://www.careers.aldirecruitment.co.uk/accessible/case-studies/store-manager.asp

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:

1. A store is time and again equated directly with ………............…., as money is locked up on
the stores.
2. Stores facilitates easy location and ………............…. of materials.

3. A store manager maintain proper ………............…. and update receipt and issue of materials.
4. One of the main objectives of store management is ………............…. management.
5. ………............…. of the bin card balances with the physical quantities in the bins is another
important function of store management.
12.2 Store Location and Layout

The concept of store location and layout can be explained as follows:

12.2.1 Store Location

The location of stores is a strategic decision which if once taken cannot be easily undone.
It would be extremely costly to change the storage location at a later stage. It should be carefully
decided and planned so as to ensure maximum efficiency. The optimal location of stores
minimizes the total transportation, handling and other costs related to stores operation and at
the same time provide the needed protection for stores items. The models of facilities planning
can be applied to determine the optimal storage location in large size organizations. Store
location depends upon the nature and value of the items to be stored and the frequency with
which the items are received and issued to the different departments.

Example: Other important factors governing the location are the number and location of
end users, variety and volume of goods to be handled, location of the central receiving station
and accessibility to rail or road links.

In general, stores are located close to the point of use. Raw-materials stores is usually located
near the first operation (in case of line layout), in process stores near to subsequent operation,
and finished goods stores near the shipping area. The tools and supplies stores are located

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