In 2004, ECR Europe was preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The ECR Europe Board commissioned a study – The Case for ECR . The purpose of the study was to review ECR achievement in Europe, to report the progress which had already been made and to estimate the further benefits which could be achieved. In the report presented here you will see that

since 1995 3.6% of consumer sales value has been saved through successful ECR adoption in Europe or a €18 billion benefit in cost and inventory reduction

•  a further 3.3% of retail sales value could be saved by full adoption of ECR ,a €28 billion benefit in cost and inventory reduction by adopting fully ECR business practices

• potential sales growth of 5% - €42 billion - is available by better meeting shoppers and consumers needs through new product, improved information and service offerings in store .
• top tier ECR adopters enjoy 6% better service levels, 5% higher on shelf availability and 10 days lower finished goods inventories than low or non adopters of ECR practices.