Before you start purchasing, dive into reports to build a foundation for your buy plan. Look at what percentage of your total inventory is over 12 months of age. That is your report card on buying in the past. Depending on what it shows, it may be time to try a different approach.

The first step is to review your strategic plan and your merchandising plan to refresh your memory as to your objectives. Then brainstorm with your staff on unclosed sales and missed opportunities.

ASK YOUR TEAM THE FOLLOWING:

  • When were you unable to close a sale because you did not have the right product?
  • What was not “right” about the product you carry — was it styling, quality or price point?
  • Is there a brand that you have had repeated (this is important, you don’t buy product based on one client) requests for?

THEN, ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

  • What is my open-to-buy dollars by classification of product?
  • What am I trying to accomplish in that particular department — to close sales, build profitability, increase my average sale?
  • What should the product look like?
  • What price-point range do I need to fill?

Another good source of information is your vendors. Call your top vendors and ask about what other retailers are having success with. Or, have them send you pictures and prices of their top selling 25 styles.

With your OTB (open-to-buy) by classification, make sure that you allocate a percentage to replenishment. It should be at least 25 percent, but could be as much as 50 percent. It’s critical to have dollars available to fund fast sellers.

Also put aside money for pending accounts payable and other similar financial obligations.

With your net OTB by classification, start running reports to see what your top selling styles are, and just as importantly, your aged inventory. You don’t want to repeat buying missteps. Get a visual picture of what is working and what is not.

Get very specific Remember that new doesn’t have to be brand new. New purchasing is high risk. Lower your risk by leveraging your top selling product.

If you need further assistance or strategies on this topic or any other area to build your independent jewelry business, please contact Becka Johnson Kibby at The Edge Retail Academy: Becka@EdgeRetailAcademy or 877-569-8657, Ext. 1.