Final answer:
The retailer is experiencing stock-out costs, which leads to lost sales and customers going to competitors due to a lack of inventory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The clothing retailer in question is experiencing stock-out costs. These occur when a business does not have enough inventory to meet customer demand, leading to potential loss of sales and customers switching to competitors. Implementing a just-in-time inventory system, where inventory is delivered as it is needed for production or sales, can reduce holding costs but may result in stock-outs if not managed carefully.
Conversely, economies of scale achieved by larger production or storage facilities can lower per-unit costs and help prevent stock-outs by ensuring ample supply. This indicates that the retailer is facing stock-outs, resulting in lost sales and dissatisfied customers. The retailer should aim to improve its inventory management and reduce the occurrence of stock-outs to retain its customers and improve customer satisfaction.