With retail sales down for the last year Wholesale Clothing Companies have really cut back on their production. What does this mean for the independent Retailer? Merchandise, or at least good merchandise will be harder to find. There is a glut of merchandise on the market right now. My phone is ringing off the wall with offers. But it is the wrong merchandise.
As a Ladies Clothing buyer I have to be really careful about what we put in our pipeline. I am not concerned about merchandise availability because that is my job. It will just be a little rougher on me to dig for the right items. The independent retailers buying through the normal channels, direct from the manufacturer are the stores that need to worry.
Manufacturers years ago forgot about independent retailers. They are more concerned with larger chains and big box retailers that can drive their cutting tickets. The result is that independents to manufacturers are after thoughts. If the chain and big box guys don’t take the goods, then they want the independents. Some will disagree, but I lived it working for a large manufacturer before starting Julie Ann, and I see it every day.
I was at a manufacturer recently and saw orders going to Ross Stores at the same time they were shipping to smaller retailers. What is that all about? Used to be manufacturers would wait for reorders before dumping their left overs. Like I said, an after thought. Wholesale Clothing suppliers like Julie Ann (if there are equals, lol) cater to small retailers. We support them, with smaller minimums, large selections, and immediate shipping.
So my advice to the independents, is don’t worry, be careful which manufacturers you place your trust in, and I mean trust in knowing that you will receive your order. Buy closer, and watch your inventory. The best idea is to work with a wholesale clothing company, or companies that meet your needs, allowing you to buy closer to the season, and meet your inventory needs on a weekly basis, and not months in advance.
This change has been in the works for years, now is the time to take full advantage of it. Retail merchandising is all about merchandising your store, and trusted resources are the key. Using them wisely will allow you to conserve cash and meet todays trends, and not predict trends three to six months away. They most importantly allow you to buy what you need, and not what the manufacturer wants you to buy.
Here is a great example. We have Dennis Basso coats in stock. They sold well when we bought them in October, to colder regions of the Country, and Internationally. But in all honesty, it wasn’t till this month that we saw reorders and increased sales.
Manufacturers are out of the best styles at exactly the time you need them. We are not…This is what I mean when I say that a good Wholesale Apparel company will have this merchandise when it is retailing best. Something to think about as many of you travel to shows to see and order what might be selling in the next months….or you can save the money and spend it on merchandise you can sell today, and in some cases not travel except to your laptop and view the merchandise online.
By Jonathan Gordon
Have you read?:
- 5 Tips to Buying Ebay Wholesale Merchandise and Ebay Retail Success
- Where Can I Find Wholesale General Merchandise (sunglasses, Watches, Clothing, Etc) In Cincinnati, Oh?
- Use Merchandise Management to Streamline Retail Sourcing, Buying and Merchandising
- Retail Superstars: Inside the 25 Best Independent Stores in America
- Going Global: The Textiles And Apparel Industry
- Ready-to-Wear Apparel Analysis (3rd Edition)
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