ASK THE EXPERT: WILL EUROPE’S ENERGY CRISIS IMPACT INVENTORY?

Q: I am reading about the situation in Europe with climbing energy prices, which is causing some of our suppliers’ factories to shut down. Should I be concerned about getting inventory?

A: The situation in Europe is certainly putting pressure on supply, and perhaps more worrisome on pricing. The way things look right now there is no way that we will not face steeper prices, which may be harder to pass on to our customers. We are telling our merchants to go to market early and lock down what they need now. 

While sales are sputtering in the wider market, our men’s stores are still doing well so we need to make sure we have the product we need to continue to do business. Buying early will hopefully give you a little peace of mind.

Go at this process methodically, and keep your wits about you. You don’t want to over-respond given the slowing sales trend.

ABOVE: Image by TheAndrasBarta from Pixabay.