Reorder point retail planning: how hemp retailers avoid empty shelves
Updated October 16, 2026
A reorder point tells a store when to order more of a product, before the shelf goes empty. It comes from two numbers: units sold per week and how long an order takes to arrive.
The method below suits smoke shops, c-stores and other hemp retailers. It uses units only. It covers weekly sales tracking, lead time, reorder points, par levels, a fixed count day and back stock. It ends with how to place reorders through a Zigg Distro wholesale account.
Start with units sold per week
Inventory reorder planning starts with sales data by product. Track each item separately, not by category. A grape gummy and a mango gummy sell at different speeds.
- Record units sold for each product every week.
- Use the POS report if the register tracks items by name.
- Keep at least four weeks of history before setting numbers.
- Average the weeks to get a typical weekly rate.
Watch for one-off spikes. A single big sale can skew the average. Note it and leave it out of the typical rate.
Measure lead time from order to shelf
Lead time is the gap between placing an order and having product ready to sell. It includes processing, transit and the time to check in and price the box.
Write down the order date and the shelf-ready date for each delivery. After a few orders, a pattern shows. Use the longer end of that pattern when planning. Zigg Distro ships nationwide. Shipping terms are on the Shipping & Returns page.
Set the reorder point and par level
The reorder point is the count that triggers an order. The par level is the count to bring stock back up to after the order lands.
- Convert lead time to weeks.
- Multiply weekly units by lead time in weeks. This covers sales while the order travels.
- Add a buffer, such as one extra week of sales. The total is the reorder point.
- Set par level as the reorder point plus the units sold between counts.
Worked example: a gummy sells 12 units a week. Lead time is one week. One week of buffer adds 12. The reorder point is 24 units. Counts happen weekly, so par is 24 plus 12, or 36 units. At a count of 20, the order is 16 units.
Count on a fixed day every week
A weekly count is the core of how to avoid stockouts. Pick one day and one time. Use the same person or the same checklist each week.
- Count shelf, counter and back stock together.
- Compare each count to its reorder point.
- Flag any product at or below the reorder point.
- Order the gap between the count and par level.
A fixed day also makes lead time easier to predict. Orders go out on the same day, so deliveries follow a steady rhythm.
Keep one case of each top mover in back stock
Top movers empty a shelf fastest. One case of each in the back room covers a late delivery or a busy weekend.
Rank products by weekly units. The top few on that list earn a back stock case. Rotate older stock to the front when restocking. Review the list each month, since top movers change. The c-store shelf guide covers shelf layout for hemp products.
Placing reorders with Zigg Distro
Zigg Distro is a wholesale distributor of THCa flower, vapes, concentrates, gummies and hemp-derived THC beverages. It sells to retailers, smoke shops and distributors. Lines include the Freezo and KronTON house brands plus ATreez and Breeze.
Stores order through a wholesale account. The wholesale account page explains how to open one. The Shop All page lists the catalog, and each product page shows what can be ordered. Category pages such as Gummies help when reordering one format at a time.
A Freezo gummy like Grape Glacier - Live Resin Gummies or a vape like Breeze - Watermelon Wave can each get its own reorder point. Keep one line per product on the count sheet.
Order from Zigg Distro
Approved accounts see wholesale prices and order online or through the sales team.
Related reading
Questions and answers
What is a reorder point in retail?
A reorder point is the stock count that triggers a new order. It equals units sold during lead time plus a buffer. When a count hits that number, the store orders.
How do I calculate a par level?
Start with the reorder point. Add the units sold between counts. The result is the target count after a delivery arrives.
How often should a smoke shop count inventory?
Weekly works for most smoke shops and c-stores. A fixed day keeps orders and deliveries on a steady schedule. Fast sellers can get a quick midweek check.
How do I avoid stockouts on top sellers?
Track weekly units by product and set a buffer in the reorder point. Keep one case of each top mover in back stock. Count on the same day every week.
How do I reorder from Zigg Distro?
Stores order through a Zigg Distro wholesale account. The wholesale account page explains how to open one. Shipping terms are on the Shipping & Returns page.