Case Study: LifeWay Christian Stores achieves improved inventory turnover and store-level localization with RELEX Solutions

Improving Performance through Macro- and Micro-Localization

LifeWay Christian Stores is a multi‑channel specialty retailer (170+ U.S. stores and eCommerce) with over 3 million store/SKU combinations. Its 12‑year‑old, highly customized merchandise system relied on manual, spreadsheet‑based allocation and replenishment, used static stock levels and standardized assortments, and lacked the store‑level intelligence needed to respond to local sales trends and events.

LifeWay implemented RELEX’s SaaS planning platform—chosen for its all‑in‑one forecasting, mobile capabilities and rapid rollout—and adopted a two‑phase localization approach: macro‑localization to cluster stores, set dynamic replenishment and central forecasts, and micro‑localization to incorporate store‑specific requests and event-driven demand. The new system replaced manual processes, streamlined ordering, and enabled store/corporate collaboration, resulting in improved inventory turnover, lower clearance, more effective markdowns and increased margins.

Lifeway Christian Stores

Bill Crayton

VP of Merchandising