There's no denying that Bunnings Warehouse is our go-to spot for all of our home improvement needs. Whether we're looking to do a little bit of gardening or we need some supplies for a big home renovation project, the retailer has got it all!

However, it looks like things might be changing at our favourite hardware store, as the company has announced that it will be 'recalibrating' its inventory to better suit customers' needs.

Jen Tucker, the Merchandise Director at Bunnings, wrote to suppliers this week to let them know that they were starting to notice an improvement in their 'in-stock performance' now that the most disruptive part of the supply issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are over.

Ms Tucker also confirmed that the retailer will be more strategic with its product offerings. This means that some items which were ordered in larger quantities to keep shelves filled during lockdowns or as backup stock will now have their numbers reduced in warehouses across the country to make way for 'better performing' products.

Bunnings confirmed that there will be a major shift in their stocks as in-store purchases are returning to their pre-pandemic rate. Credit: Getty Images.​

'For some lower turning and niche products we'll adjust down our holdings per store… to reflect the rate of sale rather than presentation levels,' she noted.

Ms Tucker didn't specify which low-selling products or product lines would be "tuned down”, but she did say that the procedure would probably be flexible to suit changing customer demand.

Tom Keirath, a Barrenjoey analyst, said that while customers were under lockdown, the stock for home remodelling companies had performed strongly, but that it would certainly fall once individuals started to travel.

Mr Kierath explained: 'People were stuck at home with nothing to do... Now they're out travelling and so the demand for those [DIY] products is going to be lower.'

The opposite is true for tradespeople, whose business slowed down during lockdowns but quickly picked up as new work entered the pipeline.

According to Mr Keirath, the power tools and 'nuts and bolts’ that tradies purchase are a key component of Bunnings' business.

Ms Tucker confirmed that inventory planning is standard practice for major retailers.

She said: 'We're constantly improving our processes to ensure we have the right product on our shelves at the right time and at the lowest prices for our customers.'

'Like all retailers, we regularly review inventory.'

'There's no doubt COVID was a disruptive period for all retailers with supply chain challenges and unprecedented levels of demand across different product categories.'

'Now that we are beginning to come out the other side, we are working with our suppliers to ensure we're managing stock as we always have, in a practical and common sense manner.'

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of business as we know it. Many businesses have shifted their operations to best suit consumer practices and their demands.

Of course, many of these establishments are still recovering from the losses they incurred during lockdowns so it's logical that some are opting to sell more of the items that are popular among their customers.

So, there you have it, folks! What do you think about this change? Will you still shop at Bunnings? Let us know your thoughts down below!

 

[Jaynius]

On the surface, no problem. Smart thinking. Unless of course it's a cover for not stocking stuff of which the Greens don't approve.

What???
What a ridiculous comment.
When, in this country, have the Greens even been in power to make ANY call, let alone what a retail giant like Bunnings might stock on its shelves?

 

[Peterburke1]

My closest Bunnings is in Northam, 1 hr 23 min (126.8 km). Ex-Mitre 10. Terrible layout and very understocked. Next closest Bunnings is Midland. 2 hr 11 min (191.1 km.)

I have a Mitre 10 in Wongan Hills. 32 min (47.6 km). Great stock levels and bloody nice people. If they don't have what I require, they get it for me. May take a day or a week. Who cares.

Background. I had two Homestead Hardware stores in the 90's. Bunnings and BBC opened their new style warehouses on the same day. One month later the bank foreclosed and I was bankrupt in two weeks. Only thing I was allowed to keep was my wife! Thank God she stuck by me.

Moral of the story, SHOP LOCAL or you will lose it.

 

[Ezzy]

Bunnings have stated that they will only stock those lines which move quickly. This would possibly explain why some items need to be ordered through the SPECIAL ORDERS DESK, perhaps?