JBC

JBC is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Growth goes hand in hand with innovation, and in collaboration with Slimstock, the company has undertaken a structural optimisation of its inventory management across its stores using Slimstock’s software. This allows JBC to respond more swiftly to what’s happening on the shop floor. Wim Haex and Niels Daenen from JBC explain how the transition unfolded.

In 1975, former cyclist Jean-Baptiste Claes opened his first clothing store, laying the foundations for the chain we now know as JBC. A decade later, his children Bart and Ann joined the business. In 2003, they assumed full control of operations, and by 2025, the third generation will also be taking part in the business. Today, JBC operates 110 stores and continues to look ahead, already running seven second-hand pop-up shops. The company’s primary aim is to extend the life of clothing and reduce waste.

For several years, Slimstock has supported JBC in managing store supply using its software. “We are constantly seeking ways to optimise returns,” says Wim Haex, Senior Merchandise Planner at JBC. “Finding the ideal stock level is never straightforward in our industry, every season brings a new collection. Previously, each item-colour-size combination had a fixed stock standard per store. That standard applied across the item’s entire lifecycle, even though demand fluctuates. We also wanted to manage stock more precisely based on the performance of each item in individual branches.”

A phased approach

For a retailer, supply is split into two stages: the initial launch of items and subsequent replenishment These are very different processes. Together with Slimstock, JBC adopted a phased approach, tackling the launch first, followed by restocking. In both stages, tests and pilot projects helped develop a solution tailored to JBC’s operations. Slimstock’s software predicts expected sales for every item-colour-size combination and links dynamic stock standards accordingly.

“The transition was complex,” admits Project Manager Niels Daenen. “We have to relinquish some control and trust a data-driven model. When setting parameters, it’s easy to approach things theoretically, but you need to translate that into reality. Otherwise, you end up in endless debates. Slimstock guided us expertly throughout the process.”

Understanding potential by product and by store

Weather, collection strength, and consumer confidence all vary, making comparisons between seasons or years difficult. “That’s why we ran an extensive pilot project to understand the potential of Slimstock’s solution,” explains Niels Daenen. “We tested similar items, one group using Slimstock’s software, the other without it. By the time we moved to full implementation, the results spoke for themselves, the improvements were significant.”

Parameters and continuous evolution

The software itself is robust, but retail is ever-changing. “Luckily, you can adjust the parameters, and JBC sometimes tweaks them to make even better use of each store’s potential,” says Wim Haex. “A recent addition is a module for ‘never-out-of-stock’ items, like jeans or white T-shirts. We check that before placing new orders with suppliers, which helps shorten lead times.”

Short lines of communication between Slimstock and JBC are crucial. “We speak weekly or fortnightly,” continues Wim Haex. “We ask questions, suggest minor changes, or discuss additions such as the ‘never-out-of-stock’ module. Another example? JBC always aims to place the last remaining items in the best possible locations. Slimstock’s platform provides excellent tools for this. For those committed to growth, efficiency, sustainability, and customer experience, the work is never finished.”