On October 28, 2026, Aurélien Monchet represented Fairson at the WIS SPIRIT Games World Finals in Fort Worth, Texas. He finished ninth among the 10 international finalists. His journey highlights the work of inventory professionals and Fairson’s commitment to recognizing and developing the skills of its field teams.
For retailers, a successful inventory count depends on the tools, the planning, and the people doing the work. Fairson puts those skills at the center of its approach, from tracking performance in stores to taking part in international competitions.
From the Top Gun Challenge to the World Finals
Before traveling to Fort Worth, Aurélien stood out at the 2026 Top Gun Challenge in Saint-Nazaire. He finished second overall and was Fairson’s highest-placed finalist, earning the opportunity to represent the company in the United States.
The Top Gun Challenge draws on results from actual client inventory counts. Counting accuracy, productivity, and consistent performance guide the selection process.
This approach recognizes skills demonstrated in our clients’ stores and facilities. It also encourages teams to keep improving from one assignment to the next.
Inventory professionals meet in Fort Worth
Organized by WIS International, the WIS SPIRIT Games bring together inventory professionals from different countries and regions. Competitors must combine speed and accuracy throughout the event.
In Fairson’s third year taking part in the competition, Aurélien joined the 10 world finalists. His ninth-place finish followed a demanding selection process and gave him the opportunity to test his skills against other professionals and experience different ways of working.
We congratulate Aurélien on his commitment and thank him for representing Fairson at this international event.
Field expertise that supports your inventory counts
For an individual store or a retail chain, counting items is essential to understanding what is physically in stock. The care taken during that process matters just as much.
Counting accuracy provides a reliable basis for analyzing differences between physical inventory and the quantities recorded in the system.
A strong understanding of methods and tools helps teams follow the procedures defined for each assignment, taking product and site requirements into account.
Consistent execution is especially important when a project covers multiple stores. The goal is to maintain the same standards from one location to the next.
Aurélien’s journey reflects the importance Fairson places on these skills. Developing them is part of the daily work of our teams and the managers who support them.
Developing teams through the Talent Factory
Through the Talent Factory, Fairson structures the recruitment, training, and support of its operational teams. The program complements the Top Gun Challenge by supporting professional development over time.
For our clients, this organization is designed to support well-managed inventory counts: staff trained in Fairson’s methods, managers who coordinate operations, and shared procedures across teams.
Recognizing talent also raises awareness of the inventory profession and its contribution to reliable inventory data.
Another international meeting in June 2027
Canada’s Jordan MacIntosh won the 2026 WIS SPIRIT Games. He will attend the Top Gun Challenge final in June 2027.
The event will provide another opportunity for professionals to share their experience and recognize the practical skills behind these competitions.
Plan your next inventory count with Fairson
Looking to outsource a store inventory count or coordinate counts across several locations? Our teams review the scope, your requirements, and your operational constraints to identify the right approach for your business.
Explore our outsourced inventory counting solutions or contact Fairson to plan your next inventory project.