Keith Jelinek | Source | Retail Professional at Berkeley Research Group, LLC

For retailers, the coronavirus is a stark reminder that global supply chains can be disrupted quickly and with dramatic effect. While the primary concern is the public's health, the long-term implications are significant for retailers of all sizes. As factory closures and travel restrictions continue, retailers that have worked aggressively over the last few years to lean out inventory levels will experience shortages, while current season shipments and future season purchasing delays could disrupt revenue forecasts.