What to do with slow-moving product

by Steve Pruitt

Q: I picked up a few new spring lines that just aren’t selling. What should I do?

A: First, ask yourself if you properly placed and promoted the new items. If you did, and customers just didn’t care for them, it’s time to start taking markdowns. Or, you can go back to your vendor and ask them if you can switch the lines out for something else. Often, vendors are very accommodating.

However, the most important thing to do is continue your testing. Some new items will work, and some won’t, but you have to keep bringing in new product to keep your customers interested and help your store evolve.