SLOW MOVING PRODUCT IN RETAIL INDUSTRY: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF ISSUE AND CHALLENGE

Abstract

This study investigates the phenomenon of slow-moving products in retail, which is an area of great concern because of its implications on the management of inventory, the profitability of retail, and the sustainability of the business. Even though researchers have managed to shed light on retail dynamics, only a few have researched the implications of turnover for the slow-moving stock. Thus, this study intends to address this issue by examining the literature on slow-moving products in terms of authorship, focus countries, trending keywords, and research focus over the years. Employing Scopus Analyzer and VOSviewer software, 1,036 documents were examined to determine publication trends, influential countries in the field, and networks of co-authorship spanning 1963 to 2024. The analysis pointed to the fact that the number of publications after 2010 increased significantly, and this was after the introduction of data analytics and optimization techniques that address the issues of slow-moving inventory. It emerged that the United States, China, and several European countries dominate this field owing to a strong global collaborative network. In conclusion, the study established that the research on slow-moving products has evolved from the uni-dimensional focus towards multifaceted dimensions that include technology, supply chain, and environmental responsibility. These findings highlight the critical role of international collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the complexities of slow-moving inventory in the retail industry. The insights generated by this analysis provide a foundation for future research and practical applications in inventory and supply chain management, as well as sustainable retail practices.