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Did you reduce inventory for the holidays this year?

What are your plans for Q1–2 ordering?

Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 12/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Debbie Dusenberry, Curious Sofa, Prairie Village, KS

I didn't think I reduced inventory this year, but after getting it all out I can see that I did, which is a good thing I suppose. It is always hard to remember all that you order from the January market. I have already had my Christmas Open House, and sales percentages were down from 2008 to the penny exactly what we have been down all year. Every year, I change it up because we have many repeat customers and I want to offer them something new. This year, we did much less in picks, stems and garlands, which we seem to have too many of at the end of the season. I bought deeper into Christmas home decor and entertaining: runners, candlesticks, chargers, etc. I order most of those items to be delivered closer to Thanksgiving, as that is when they really move. Price point is also key. Customers are still looking for value regardless of the item. I am placing my spring orders already and focusing on getting it out mid-January without those after Christmas doldrums we usually have.

Stephanie Fleishman, 2910 on the Square, Canton, MD

I'm doing what I did last year. In the last year, I have increased my consignment merchandise; so, I don't have to pay until it sells. I am playing it close to the vest. You sure don't want to come out at the end of December with a lot of merchandise. You can always order more. And I'm finding people are more willing to work with you these days; times are hard and they would rather have some business. I have more things coming in that are priced $50 and under which I think is good, and I have a lot of merchandise with local appeal. People are definitely still watching their spending. I still am getting people in the store who have lost their jobs. In the last few months our business has recovered over last year, not a lot, but a little; but it is scary that unemployment is so high, so I am being cautious. November is starting off slow. If December comes through and everything is fine, I will play first quarter ordering like this year and just watch the inventory. I do not know if I will go to the gift show in January. This year I didn't go — I had enough stuff.

Sue Sacks, Options Gallery Inc., Healdsburg, CA

I actually did not reduce. I am in a very enviable position, being in a town that is pretty tourist-driven and the locals have been very supportive. People are still shopping. I have not seen less traffic. September was a little bit light, but October is ahead of last year. What I have done for the last year is looked for items that are unusual and at a lower price point. I still kept the higher art items because I think people still want them. I have a lot of jewelry, and I am only taking on new items on consignment, which helps them and it helps my cash flow. Unsold merchandise goes on sale. Get them out, I don't want to look at them any more, and somebody gets a great deal.

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