Retail Consulting Services

Unparalleled Retail Consulting Services to Help Reach Peak Performance

Retail moves fast. So do we. At RPE, we help retailers navigate complex decisions and big-picture transformation—with consulting services grounded in decades of real-world experience. Whether you’re rethinking your merchandise planning process or requiring a full system upgrade, we help you move forward with confidence.

For more than 25 years, we’ve partnered with retailers and manufacturers to overcome operational hurdles, streamline technology decisions, and deliver measurable business results. Strategy. Implementation. Ongoing support. We’ve done it all—and we’re still doing it, for some of the biggest names in North American retail.

Our U.S.-based consultants bring hands-on experience as former buyers, planners, allocation analysts, SVPs and IT leaders. We know what it’s like to be on the front lines of retail, and we offer solutions that work in the real world—not just on paper.

Explore Our Core Retail Consulting Services

Our consulting services span the full project lifecycle—from roadmaps to implementations including upfront strategy to long-term support. We provide flexible engagement models, detailed process guidance, and senior-level oversight across every initiative.

Strategic Planning

We work collaboratively with your team to assess current operations, identify improvement opportunities, and design long-term roadmaps that align with your business goals. Through proven methods like gap analysis, KPI benchmarking, and business process review, we help retailers make smarter decisions about future investments.

Whether you’re launching a new planning and allocation platform or optimizing supply chain performance, our strategic and technical services establish a strong foundation for successful outcomes.

Business Process Analysis
Gap Analysis
Process Improvement
Competitive Analysis

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Package Selection

Selecting the right software or hardware package can make or break a technology initiative. RPE guides retailers through the full selection lifecycle—requirements gathering, RFI/RFP development, vendor demos, scoring matrices, and final recommendations. Our team has experience with leading platforms, including Blue Yonder, Oracle, and IBM, and we remain solution-agnostic to ensure the best fit for each client.

We balance functionality with long-term value, helping our clients avoid costly missteps and secure executive buy-in for mission-critical investments.

Requirements Definition
RFI and RFP
Software Assessment
Software and Hardware Selection

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Implementation Services

From complex integrations to custom configurations, RPE supports retail clients through every phase of implementation. We manage software upgrades, build interfaces, lead testing cycles, and facilitate change management to ensure new solutions are adopted seamlessly.

Our consultants specialize in leading software solutions and bring deep experience across niche platforms and legacy environments. We prioritize communication, documentation, and cross-functional alignment—ensuring stakeholders stay informed and engaged throughout the implementation process. And we provide world-class training, onsite and virtual, with customized “gold standard” materials specifically for your business needs.

System and Software Upgrades
Integration and Interfaces
Data Conversion
Modifications and Programming
Customization and Enhancements
Training

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Support Services

Many companies underestimate the resources needed for a transformative project or solution implementation. We help teams sustain success through ongoing support services drawing on years of experience. Technical and functional experts provide dedicated assistance to ensure a smooth project.

A successful business transformation means continually positioning yourself for the future. It is important to keep taking the pulse of your supply chain and make adjustments so you can set your company up to achieve desired results and stay ahead of the competition.

Post Implementation Support
Documentation
Dedicated Resources
Quality Control
HyperCare

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Project Management

Successful retail initiatives require more than good ideas; they need structure, accountability, and leadership. Our project managers provide end-to-end oversight or augment internal PMs to keep deliverables on track.

We apply hybrid Agile methods tailored to each engagement, emphasizing transparency, risk management, and cross-team coordination. The result? Faster timelines, fewer surprises, and stronger business outcomes.

People and Process Management
Staff Augmentation
Technical and Functional Support

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Change Management

Change management is essential when adopting new technology and processes, as it ensures smooth transitions with minimal disruption. Because each organization absorbs change differently, strategies must align with its culture, operations, and employee readiness. Successfully managing systems, processes, and people is key to driving enterprise-wide transformation.

With the rise of GenAI tools and data-driven solutions, retailers must address employee concerns through clear communication, training, and support that empowers rather than overwhelms individuals and teams.

Change Management Strategy Planning
Strategy Adoption
AI Anxiety Mitigation

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AI Data Readiness

AI-driven solutions rely on high-quality data to deliver a unified view across platforms helping businesses gain accurate insights. As GenAI tools gain momentum, having clean, standardized, and integrated data across systems is more important than ever. Ultimately, the effectiveness of AI models depends on the quality and accessibility of the data it processes.

AI Data Design Strategy Planning
Data Cleansing
Data Integration
Data Analytics

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Retailers Serving Retailers

At RPE, we understand the retail and manufacturing landscape from the inside out—because we’ve lived it. Our consultants come from the industry—with backgrounds as planners, buyers, allocation analysts, CIOs and IT leaders. This firsthand experience allows us to offer practical, results-oriented solutions that account for real-world retail dynamics.

We speak the language of retail. And we know how to turn strategy into execution without disrupting day-to-day operations.

Small and Emerging Retailers

Growth-stage and mid-sized retailers face unique challenges—limited resources and lean teams. RPE is uniquely suited to help these companies scale effectively, offering right-sized solutions and phased consulting support that adapts as the business grows.

Whether you’re preparing for your first system upgrade or expanding into new channels, we help you navigate decisions that lay the groundwork for long-term success. Our flexible consulting model ensures you get senior-level support—without the overhead of a massive firm.

Why Retailers Choose RPE

U.S.-based consultants only—no offshoring, no junior delivery teams
Proven success with specialty, department store, omnichannel retailers and manufacturers
Trusted implementation partner of leading software solutions
Consultants average 20+ years of hands-on retail experience – most with Director or VP titles in retail, wholesale, and e-commerce space
More than half of the RPE team has been with the company for more than 10 years
Emphasis on continuity—many clients retain RPE across multiple employers
Tailor every engagement to reflect operational complexity, growth goals, and internal resource levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size retailers do you typically work with?

We specialize in supporting mid-size to large retailers, but we also engage with emerging companies that need senior-level support for strategic growth.

Do you only work with Blue Yonder and IBM?

No. While we have deep expertise in those platforms, we remain solution-agnostic. We help clients assess, implement, and support the systems that best fit their unique needs.

Can you work with our internal teams or existing partners?

Absolutely. We routinely augment internal project teams and collaborate with third-party vendors to ensure alignment and project success.

Let’s Talk

Whether you’re evaluating your options or need boots on the ground now, RPE’s senior consultants are ready. Let’s discuss your priorities and build a path to long-term success together. We’re happy to start with a discovery call—or jump into a roadmap workshop if you’re ready.

Talk to a Retail Consultant