In-Season Buying

Q: We held back a lot of orders for fall and then bought more merchandise in-season. I still have a lot of OTB for spring—should I hold off buying until in-season again?

A: In-season goods, especially off-price goods, will be harder to find this spring so we are recommending that your OTB does not exceed 15 percent (our recommendation for last fall was 20-25 percent). If you come upon off-price merchandise now, buy it now—it’s likely not to be as available as we move into spring. There should be availability later in spring, but not at the discounts you enjoyed over the last two seasons. Also be prepared to buy seasonal one-cut items soon.

Date answered: 01/11/2010
Question raised by: Bill