What are weeks of cover in fashion retail?
How many weeks current stock will last at the recent or forecast rate of sale.
In short
Weeks of cover shows how many weeks current stock will last at the recent or forecast rate of sale. It is calculated by dividing stock on hand by average weekly sales, and merchandisers use it to spot products that need re-ordering or marking down.
How does it work in practice?
Merchandisers calculate weeks of cover by style, colour, size and location, using either recent sales or a forward forecast. They compare the result with the remaining selling period and with target cover levels. If a style has much less cover than the weeks left in its season, it may be a re-order candidate. If cover is far higher than the remaining season, it may need a promotion, a transfer or a markdown.
Why does it matter?
Weeks of cover turns raw stock numbers into a practical decision tool. It shows whether inventory is in balance with demand, which protects sales and avoids tying up cash in excess stock. For replenishment items, target cover levels drive automatic orders. For brands sharing data with retailers, weeks of cover across accounts reveals where stock should be reallocated.
How is AI changing it?
Traditional weeks of cover looks backwards at past sales. AI forecasting makes it forward looking by predicting future weekly demand, including seasonality, promotions and weather. This gives a more accurate view of how long stock will really last and lets merchandisers act earlier, particularly at the start and end of a season when past sales are a poor guide.
Common pitfalls
- Using backward-looking sales when demand is about to rise or fall sharply.
- Calculating cover at total style level while specific sizes are sold out.
- Ignoring stock already on order or in transit.
- Applying the same target cover to fashion items and basics.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate weeks of cover?
Divide current stock on hand by the average number of units sold per week, either from recent sales or from a forecast.
What is the difference between weeks of cover and stock turn?
Weeks of cover shows how long current stock will last. Stock turn shows how many times average inventory is sold and replaced over a period, usually a year.
