By Byrd Jessup Owner of The Immediate Resource

Definition – Profit maker items are off-price fashion items that you can sell at a triple mark-up.

 Several years ago, during an economic downturn, I learned the secret of deeply discounted items and using them to get good markup. On one particular morning, I happened to speak to two of my customers and asked each how they were doing. Incredibly, both of them gave me the same answer, which is why it made such an impression on me. They both said that times were tough and both said the main thing that was making them money was my $19.90 (wholesale price) bargain racks. They were buying dresses, suits and 2-pc sets for $19.90 and selling them at $60.00. Since I had a whole warehouse full of dresses and suits wholesale priced at $34.75 to $149.00, I was amazed to discover that both customers that I had spoken to were making their best profits off of my $19.90 bargain row, even though they were also buying my higher priced items. They explained it simply - a $139 wholesale suit might sell for $280 (for a profit of $140), but it might not sell, and they might need to be put on sale at $159.99 for almost no profit. But on the other hand, it is easy to sell dresses or 2-pc sets for $60. This is a price point most people can pay, and they hardly ever had to put those items on sale. Both these customers sold higher priced items in their boutiques, but their main profit came from buying off-price items at $19.90 that they could retail for $60.

So here is the obvious math that I did in my head. They could invest $139 in an expensive suit which might make them a $141 profit or a $20 profit if they have to put it on sale. OR, they could put that $139 into buying 7 off-price dresses or sets at $20 that were likely to sell for $60 each, which would be a profit of $40 each or $280 total profit. Obviously with the off-price items at $20, their investment was a much lower risk with a much greater potential profit. They had discovered the secret of buying profit maker items priced at $20 or less.

One of the customers also pointed out that occasionally when one of these items doesn’t sell at $60, it will easily and quickly sell at $39.99 or $29.99. They are almost guaranteed to make a profit, no matter what.

Since that memorable morning, my buying staff and I have greatly increased our selection and volume of profit maker items and many customers have discovered that these items are less risky and more profitable than higher priced items.

IMPORTANT: Deeply discounted profit maker items are perfect for regular fresh shipments. You can have regular small shipments arriving every week at your store. Fresh inventory drives sales and profit maker items drive profits.

By: Miranda Harper

Summer is the time to embrace all things bright and fun. Hot colors and prints abound in both easy dresses and lightweight separates. No matter what your climate, it’s time to stock your store with looks that say “Hello, sunshine!”

-Fabrications

Cotton and rayon are the most breathable fabrics for summer. Look for crinkle textures with smocking for an easy care garment to withstand the summer heat. A blend of cotton/polyester or rayon spandex will help prevent wrinkles and make wash-and-wear a snap.

Sheers are in this season, but that doesn’t mean showing it all off. Dresses with printed chiffon overlays, laser-cut lace or embroidered cutwork can add some refined fun to a summer wardrobe.

Simple knit dresses should be a staple for any season. Easy rayon jersey knits are flattering on any figure and super soft to the touch. Sleeveless styles can be paired with a jacket or cardigan for work and then easily dressed up for evening. They are also easy to pack for vacations and weekend getaways.

-Prints and Colors

Fashion and bright colors go together like summer sunshine and lemonade. Colors like fuchsia, flame orange, sunny yellow, kelly green, marine blue and turquoise will flatter multiple skin tones. Stock separates in these colors to pair easily with chambray or linen bottoms. Tone down the look (if you must!) with neutral jackets or shrugs.

Prints this year are all about bold. Floral, paint splatters, Asian and Indian inspired looks and nautical themed prints continue to be in style from season to season. Don’t be afraid to make a statement!

-Separates

Separates are essential in any store. A varied selection of pants, capris, walking shorts and skirts in neutral colors can help increase the sales of bright colored and boldly printed tops. Choose bottoms in lightweight chambray (a trendy fabric for 2011), linen and ramie.

Help your customers mix it up. For an extra special, yet subtle touch, pair textured knit bottoms with solid color tops and structured jackets. With all the ways to mix and match color and print combinations, stocking up on separates can be a great way to increase profit and help customers get the most out of their summer wardrobe!

The Immediate Resource has the largest selection of wholesale dresses in the country. Brands like Spense, General Apparel, India Boutique, Madison Leigh, Pleats and many more are all hot sellers and ready to ship. With our low pricing, you can double or triple your markup and increase profit margins.

Call your sales rep today!