Case Study
How Kipling Uses Real-Time Scheduling to Boost Peak-Hour Performance and Cut Payroll by 2%
We spoke with Jaden Lumpa, Financial Analyst on the Store Operations team at Kipling, about how real-time retail scheduling software and labor insights helped the brand streamline operations, align staffing with demand, and improve store performance across multiple locations.
About Kipling
Kipling is a global lifestyle brand known for functional, stylish bags and accessories. With multiple stores and fluctuating traffic patterns, efficient retail scheduling and peak-hour labor management are critical to maintaining strong customer experiences and operational efficiency.
1. Using real-time data to improve store scheduling
Before adopting real-time scheduling software, Kipling relied on manual spreadsheets and forecasts.
Jaden explained:
“We load targets before the month, and as weeks go by, store managers can reforecast and adjust schedules based on live trends. If sales are lower, they can reduce payroll. If traffic spikes, they can flex shifts up. This has been huge for keeping stores on target.”
By using live data to plan staffing, managers ensure proper coverage during peak store hours and avoid overstaffing during slower periods.
2. Aligning labor with peak-hour performance
Peak-hour labor management is key to maintaining service levels and driving revenue.
Jaden shared:
“We’ve been focusing on peak coverage, making sure the right people are scheduled at the right times. It’s helped us optimize labor while maintaining strong customer service during busy periods.”
Key benefits include:
– Matching labor with actual store traffic
– Ensuring coverage during peak hours
– Quickly identifying and addressing gaps in service
Flexing staffing dynamically as traffic changes
3. Streamlining labor management and optimizing payroll
Before using real-time scheduling software, creating and managing schedules required multiple spreadsheets and manual calculations.
Jaden explained:
“I can now take live data and create reports instantly. Custom reports save me time and allow me to track all KPIs and trends in one place, instead of pulling individual columns of data.”
Centralized reporting allows managers to focus on coaching and improving store execution rather than administrative tasks. It also helps align staffing with peak traffic and maintain payroll efficiency.
“Changing our payroll planning from SPH-focused to TPLH-focused, we saved at least 2% in payroll compared to our forecast last year, even in a year with lower sales and traffic trends. Managers can see when they need to flex shifts up or down based on live store traffic, ensuring optimal coverage and cost control.”
“Just in the last 6 months…we were able to save money on payroll last year.”
By combining real-time insights, reporting, and payroll alignment, Kipling ensures stores are staffed efficiently, customers are supported during peak hours, and operational decisions are data-driven.
See how real-time retail scheduling can transform your stores
Watch the Full Interview with Jaden to hear more about Kipling’s journey to optimized labor and scheduling.
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