Alberta Company operates a large discount store and uses the retail method to estimate the cost of ending inventory. Management suspects that in recent weeks there have been unusually heavy losses from shoplifting or employee pilferage. To estimate the amount of the loss, the company has taken a physical inventory and will compare the results with the estimated cost of inventory. Data from Alberta€™s accounting records follow.

Required
1. Using the retail method, prepare a schedule to estimate the dollar amount of the store€™s month-end inventory at cost.
2. Use the store€™s cost to retail ratio to reduce the retail value of the physical inventory to cost.
3. Calculate the estimated amount of inventory shortage at cost and at retail.
4. Many retail chains use the retail method because it is efficient. Why do you think using this method is an efficient way for these companies tooperate?

At Cost At Retail $184,000 $239,200 261,500 383,300 7,360) (10,500) October 1 beginning inventory Purchases Purchases returns and allowances Freight-in Sales Sales returns and allowances October 31 physical inventory at reail 2,500 514,300 (2,700) 95,600