I think the smaller inventory seen on shelves is a outcome of modern cost control. It is a form of “Just On Time” commonly used in manufacturing. Companies reduce investment in idle inventories and replace stock as it is sold instead of having reserves.
That’s exactly it. Profit margins for grocery stores have become much, much thinner in the last ten years. Just in time shipping is a survival method that few stores can do without.
I wonder if the 3 days until chaos figure needs to be reevaluated? Maybe 2 days? Maybe 1?