Planning the Fall Season

The Fall Season is considered to be July through December.
So you need to have your Fall plans completed before July 1.

It's especially important to have your plans made before the CHA Summer Show starts on July 17,2012.
You'll want to know how much you can spend at the Show and still keep your stock within
a reasonable level.

First you need to plan your monthly sales for July through December. Use your Spring season (January through June) sales as a guide to determine how to plan sales for Fall.

Look at last years Fall Season  monthly sales and adjust this years plan based on how you're business is doing.
If you're running ahead of last year in the Spring then plan your Fall monthly sales higher based on your trend.

If your sales are down then adjust your plan a little lower, but not too much lower.
You have to have the new products in your store to maintain your customers interest.

If you have your stock on hand level that's good. Use that as a starting point.
Then you can determine  how many dollars you can reasonably spend at the Show.

You also need to start working on a Fall promotional calendar .  Be sure to have special promotions planned throughout the Fall Season. We all know that these promotions bring customers in the store.
And by planning early you have a better chance of getting the people you want to put on these events before they get booked by some other store.

Also start looking for slow sellers to mark down and get out of your stock.

I want to remind you of my affordable program for Independent Retailers. I can help you plan your sales, stock levels , expense control and other subjects.

Just go to my website

http://www.sandywoodford.com/

Click on the "For The Retailer" tab and it will tell you about my program.

My contact information is there too so call me with any questions you might have.

But if you want to work with me on your plans for Fall we need to start soon so you'll be ready for the CHA Show.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Sandy