Going Back to Pitti for Product

Q: I’m hearing some merchants talk about going back to Italy for the Pitti Uomo menswear show, and I wanted to know if you thought it was worthwhile. I have been seeing a lot of the same kind of product at shows here, and my buys could use a refresh. What you think?

Steve Pruitt: It’s interesting that you ask this question; I have also been hearing talk about going to Pitti. Lots of our merchants used to go to European shows and these trips were a real differentiator when it came to developing new mixes of merchandise. So, my answer is a resounding “Yes!” (Also, the dollar is stronger against the euro now, which doesn’t hurt.)

I say go for the newness. This is critical factor when it comes to jump-starting your business. I believe that some of the softness we’re seeing in sales recently is due to a lack of new fashion, so making sure that you are not in a fashion slump is a great idea.

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