HomeBase Reduces Pricing Errors by 92% and Out-of-Stocks by 58% Through Leadership-Driven Store Execution

AT A GLANCE

• Retailer: HomeBase (McLiney banner)
• Segment: Home improvement
• Stores Deployed: Chainwide expansion to all locations across Texas, Wyoming, Kansas, and Missouri.
• Focus Areas: On-shelf availability, pricing accuracy, store execution
• Key Wins:
  • 92% reduction in pricing errors
  • 58% reduction in controllable out-of-stocks
  • Total out-of-stocks reduced to below 1%
  • Annual physical inventory audits reduced from 3 days to less than one day

HomeBase, a regional home improvement retailer operated by McLiney’s, runs large-format stores with complex assortments spanning seasonal goods, hardlines, and essential products. Maintaining consistent pricing and on-shelf availability in this environment is operationally demanding, even for seasoned store teams.

Before implementing shelf intelligence, execution relied on manual processes. Store teams walked aisles to check pricing and on-shelf availability, but coverage was inconsistent and often reactive. Issues like pricing discrepancies, phantom inventory, and out-of-stocks were often identified after they impacted shopper experiences.

HomeBase wanted to achieve real-time shelf visibility and consistency at scale.

HomeBase launched a proof of technology using Simbe’s Store Intelligence platform, powered by Tally, the autonomous shelf-scanning robot, in two stores. The focus was on improving pricing accuracy and on-shelf availability while gaining a real-time view of shelf conditions.

Within the first few weeks, store teams began uncovering issues that had previously gone undetected. Pricing mismatches that once took days to find were surfaced immediately. Products recorded as in-stock but missing from the shelf became visible. Out-of-stocks, misplaced items, and execution gaps were consistently identified and prioritized throughout the day.

What set HomeBase apart was how they approached change management. Leadership recognized early that improving store performance would require more than better data. It required changing how stores operated day to day, and doing so quickly across the organization.

Leadership leaned in and made a deliberate decision: store execution would remain their responsibility. HomeBase chose to lead adoption internally. The mindset was clear: when opportunities for improvement were surfaced, HomeBase took ownership and acted.

This decision shaped the rollout:

• Leadership set clear expectations across every store.
• The “why” behind the initiative was communicated consistently.
• Store performance was tracked through reports and shared across locations.
• Teams were expected to work reports daily and take action.

HomeBase also moved quickly to adopt new ways of working. When introduced to mobile workflows through Simbe Mobile, they did not default to existing processes. Instead, they invested in dedicated devices for store teams to ensure adoption from day one and eliminated paper processes.

As teams began working the data, a faster, more structured way to operate quickly took hold. Tasks were clearer, duplication dropped, and store teams established a daily rhythm of identifying and resolving issues.

With strong leadership alignment, including direct support from the CEO, and rapid store-level adoption, HomeBase expanded from two stores to all eight locations within three months.

“Instead of spending time searching for problems, our teams start each day knowing exactly where to focus. That means more time helping customers and making life easier for associates.”

- Tim Blakesley, Store Manager

HomeBase delivered measurable improvements across pricing accuracy, on-shelf availability, and operational efficiency, with results sustained at the chain level.

• 92% reduction in pricing errors
• 58% reduction in controllable out-of-stocks
• Total out-of-stocks reduced to below 1%
• Annual physical inventory audits reduced from 3 days to less than one day

These improvements were achieved quickly. Many stores saw meaningful gains within weeks, with some locations significantly improving on-shelf availability in days.

Stores using Tally completed their required annual physical inventory audits faster and with fewer discrepancies, reflecting stronger day-to-day inventory accuracy.

Just as important was how store operations changed.

Teams shifted from time-intensive manual audits to focused, prioritized execution. Instead of searching for issues, they worked from clear, actionable task lists, improving both speed and consistency. Greater visibility into phantom inventory enabled faster resolution of discrepancies and more accurate inventory positions.

As execution improved, stores developed a consistent rhythm around working reports and addressing issues daily. Adoption became universal once teams experienced the impact firsthand.

During the proof of technology phase, HomeBase also observed early signs of improved inventory efficiency, with stores using Tally operating with lower inventory levels while driving higher sales.

1. Leadership alignment is the multiplier: HomeBase’s results were driven by better data and leadership that fully committed to changing store execution. Clear direction from the top ensured consistent adoption across all locations.

2. Ownership of change drives speed: By taking responsibility for adoption, HomeBase removed rollout friction and scaled quickly from two stores to chainwide.

3. When store teams see value, behavior changes fast: Initial resistance gave way to strong adoption once teams experienced how the data simplified their work. Clear task prioritization and reduced duplication made execution easier.

4. Speed to impact is achievable with the right operating model: HomeBase shows that rapid, chainwide performance improvement is possible when visibility, accountability, and leadership alignment come together.