Now that the holidays are over, some retailers may feel that they’re in a state of limbo. Spring is still a few months away, but with Christmas come and gone, holiday shoppers are a thing of the past. Late winter can still be a beneficial time for retailers, provided they make smart merchandising choices. Here are a few mistakes that some merchants make this time of year, and advice on how to avoid them.
1. Being unprepared for spring
It may seem like the winter will never end, but spring will be here before you know it. This season is always a big one for retailers, particularly those who deal in apparel, as many shoppers are eager to revamp their wardrobe for warmer weather. It’s never too early to begin planning for the next season by ordering new mannequins for sale or wall racks that will showcase your best spring items. Don’t be caught off guard – start planning today.
2. Jumping into spring too early
On the flip side, you don’t want to get into the season of spring too early. Though it’s wise to start ordering your wholesale shopping bags and other supplies for next season now, your spring items should be behind the scenes until it’s closer to April. You can have a few early warm weather sales in March, but any time before then is probably too soon.
3. Mistaking winter items for holiday items
You’re likely in the process of removing any holiday items that didn’t sell this year from your shelves and display tables, but be careful when making this shift. Many items that may seem to be holiday-themed can actually be re-purposed as winter goods. For instance, just because a sweater has snowflakes on it doesn’t mean that it’s only suitable for Christmastime – people will still need sweaters for the next few months.
4. Giving up on discounts
Everyone knows that promotions and sales around the holiday season can give business a boost, but don’t give up on discounts just because Christmas is over. Marking down popular items can help retailers get over the lull of this in-between time, so be sure to promote your offerings on your social media pages and in-store as well.
