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Last updated on Mar 29, 2025
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  3. Merchandising

Consumer trends are shifting faster than you anticipated. How can you effectively manage inventory?

When consumer trends shift quickly, maintaining an optimal inventory can be challenging. Here's how you can stay ahead:

  • Leverage data analytics: Use real-time data to forecast demand and adjust your inventory accordingly.

  • Diversify suppliers: Having multiple suppliers ensures you can quickly adapt to changing demands without significant delays.

  • Implement a flexible inventory system: Adopt systems that allow for quick adjustments in stock levels and product assortment.

What are your strategies for managing inventory amid shifting trends? Share your thoughts.

Merchandising Merchandising

Merchandising

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Last updated on Mar 29, 2025
  1. All
  2. Sales
  3. Merchandising

Consumer trends are shifting faster than you anticipated. How can you effectively manage inventory?

When consumer trends shift quickly, maintaining an optimal inventory can be challenging. Here's how you can stay ahead:

  • Leverage data analytics: Use real-time data to forecast demand and adjust your inventory accordingly.

  • Diversify suppliers: Having multiple suppliers ensures you can quickly adapt to changing demands without significant delays.

  • Implement a flexible inventory system: Adopt systems that allow for quick adjustments in stock levels and product assortment.

What are your strategies for managing inventory amid shifting trends? Share your thoughts.

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4 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Ani Nersessian

    Visual Merchandising Agency Leader | Owner @ VM ID Inc. | Supporting Retailers to Elevate and Optimize Their Spaces

    • Report contribution

    Curating products in various ways to cater to new trending themes or client profiles are a good way to reframe products that seem like they are no longer relevant.

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  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Alicia Chui

    Strategic marketer with expertise in digital marketing and creative idea generation. Naturally analytical and innovative, with exceptional depth of thinking when in a state of hyperfocus.

    • Report contribution

    Build a good relationship with suppliers and treat them like business partners so that company and vendors can: 1. Collaborate well for back-to-back order fulfilment. 2. Implement Just-in-Time (JIT) fulfilments like Toyota Production System (TPS), which emphasize efficiency, waste reduction, and close supplier collaboration.

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    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Grace L.

    Business Developer | Scaffolding & Formwork Manufacturer | Helping Contractors Source Certified & Cost-Effective Solutions

    • Report contribution

    Excess inventory is inevitable—it’s part of the cost of doing business. The key is not to eliminate it completely, but to minimize it intelligently. That starts with improving factory production efficiency to respond faster to demand shifts. Equally important is ensuring the accuracy and relevance of trend forecasting reports—poor forecasts often lead to costly missteps. Ultimately, one of the most powerful strategies is to create trends, not just follow them. If you can shape demand through product innovation or marketing, you gain more control over inventory planning and reduce your reliance on reactive adjustments.

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    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Jaya Swaminathan

    AI-Orchestrated Sales Strategy | The Future of AI-Powered Revenue Growth | Ex-Amazon

    • Report contribution

    Stop stressing about excess inventory! See it as your secret weapon instead. Extra stock can save you when supply chains break or demand spikes unexpectedly. Yes, efficient production helps, but also have a plan for items that don't sell. Good remarketing or recycling turns "mistakes" into cash or goodwill. Don't bet everything on perfect trend forecasting. Set up flexible, small-batch production so you can pivot quickly when needed. My favorite move? Turn excess into brand wins. Creative giveaways or upcycling programs transform problems into customer love. That's turning lemons into some seriously sweet lemonade!

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Merchandising

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