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And plan for the future."

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The ROI's Remarkable "What If...?" Calculators For Owners

There are many ways to succeed in retailing, many ways to assert your competitive edge, whether location, pricing, merchandise selection, knowledgeable staff, etc. 

But there is only one way that retail businesses fail: they fail financially. 
So – the key to success?
Have a competitive edge and take charge of the financial demands of the business. 

But, as a retailer, navigating your financials can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve created a suite of online calculators designed specifically for independent retailers like you. No spreadsheets, no guesswork—just fast, clear insights for your next business decision.

Here’s how and when to use five of our powerful tools:


1. Retailer’s 3-in-1 Integrated Calculator

The question it answers: What would happen if I...?

Start here when you’re facing big-picture questions about your business:

  • “What will it take to break even?”

  • “Should I close a store? If so, which one?”

  • “Can I afford a remodel? What if I need a loan?”

In just minutes, this tool shows you your projected Profit & Loss, Open-to-Buy, and Cash Flow—all in one place. With just a few inputs, you can test different scenarios and see the financial outcomes instantly.

If you’re exploring strategic decisions, this is your go-to calculator to uncover the real impact on your bottom line.

Integrated 3-in-1 CASH FLOW Calculator


2. Key Ratios Calculator

The question it answers: What do our “vital signs” show?

Want to know how your store is really performing? The Key Ratios Calculator delivers fast, accurate metrics like:

  • Profit %

  • Gross Margin %

  • Inventory Turnover

  • G.M.R.O.I.

  • Current Ratio

  • Debt-to-Worth Ratio

Plus, it benchmarks your results against industry standards for your retail segment. Use this tool to evaluate financial health, identify strengths, and address weaknesses. Perfect for quarterly check-ins or when preparing to make big moves.

Key RATIOS Calculator


3. Financial Strength Rater

The question it answers: How resilient is my business?

When sales are up, down, or flat, resilience matters. This tool analyzes trends in your Balance Sheet ratios to reveal the staying power of your business.

Get a 1-to-5 score on key metrics to spot early warning signs or validate your strengths. Use it when planning for the future—or when you just need peace of mind that your business is on solid ground.

FINANCIAL STRENGTH Rater


4. PROFITS Forecaster

The question it answersWill we make a profit this year?

If you want clarity about your P&L, this tool is a must. Enter what you already know—sales, gross margin %, and expenses by category (use our SPEEDY Expense Analyzer, aka “the Bucketizer”, if needed). In minutes, you’ll see:

  • A 12-month profit projection

  • Expense trends as a percent of sales

  • Immediate insights into trouble spots or opportunities

And if you don’t like what you see? Adjust inputs in real time to explore “what if...?” scenarios. Test different strategies until your plan “pencils out.”

Use it for annual planning, mid-year reviews, or any time you need confidence in your profit outlook.

PROFITS Forecaster, Trend Tracker


5. Multi-Department Buying Plan Calculator

The question it answers: How much inventory should I buy—and when?

This tool combines the art and science of buying to give you clear monthly buying plans, by department, in minutes. Enter basic info — beginning inventory, expected sales & margins, and planned turns—and you’ll get:

  • Maximum inventory to bring in each month

  • Ending inventory targets (the real key number)

  • Your projected G.M.R.O.I.

Perfect for planning upcoming seasons or refining your buying strategy. Need adjustments? Change sales, margins, or turns and instantly see the impact.

This tool helps you balance buying and selling like a pro while keeping an eye on cash flow and inventory turns.

MULTI-Department BUYING Planner


Which Strata:G Calculator Should You Use First?

Well, that depends on your situation!

  • Big decisions about your business? Start with the 3-in-1 Integrated Calculator.

  • Need to evaluate financial health? Use the Key Ratios Calculator or Financial Strength Rater.

  • Planning for profit? Head to the PROFITS Forecaster.

  • Fine-tuning inventory? Try the Multi-Department Buying Plan Calculator.

Each tool is built for speed, accuracy, and your retail reality. No accountants, no spreadsheets—just you, your numbers, and decisions you can trust.

Let’s get started!

Why Owners Love These Calculators

“The 3-in-1 Calculator showed me where my cash flow was headed before I ran into trouble. It’s the smartest tool I’ve ever used for my business!”
– Specialty Retailer

“I finally understand how inventory and cash flow work together. Now, I’m in control.”
– Sporting Goods Store Manager

“This is like having a crystal ball for my business. I don't make a big decision without it.”
– Home Décor Shop Owner

With our proprietary retail projecting calculators, you can:

  • Quickly explore multiple “What if…?” scenarios in real-time.

  • See the ripple effect of pricing changes, inventory adjustments, or new product launches.

  • Focus on the future—not the past—with pro forma projections that show profits and cash flow at a glance.

Using The ROI's calculators is easy for retailers.

Enter Assumptions
Provide a few key details—revenue goals, likely expenses (sorted by simple “buckets”), and inventory plans.

Review Results
Instantly see a monthly pro forma P&L, buying plan, and integrated cash flow projection for the next year.

Test Scenarios
Adjust variables like pricing, inventory turns, or sales volume and compare outcomes.

No spreadsheets. No financial jargon. Just practical, actionable insights.

About The ROI's Owner-Friendly Calculators

Find out more about each of The ROI's remarkable calculators by clicking the links below.

Take your financial planning to the next level. Start your Member Access now! 
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The Retail Owners Institute® has been empowering owners since 1999 to "Turn on their financial headlights!"
Our tools and resources are trusted by thousands of independent owners to help grow financially stronger and resilient businesses.