Vendor selection is a critical component of supply chain management in retail, as it directly influences product availability, quality, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The process begins with identifying the need for goods or services and defining clear specifications such as quantity, quality standards, delivery timelines, and budget constraints. Retail managers then conduct market research to identify potential vendors, followed by issuing requests for information (RFI), requests for proposal (RFP), or requests for quotation (RFQ). Vendors respond with their capabilities, pricing, and terms, which are then evaluated through a systematic comparison. The evaluation stage involves both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Factors such as cost competitiveness, quality assurance, delivery reliability, technological capability, financial stability, and compliance with legal and ethical standards are assessed. Site visits, audits, and reference checks may also be conducted to validate vendor claims. After shortlisting suitable vendors, negotiation takes place to finalize pricing, payment terms, service levels, and contractual obligations. The final step is vendor selection, onboarding, and continuous performance monitoring using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as