How is it that stores sell out of clothes so darn quickly?

agrace

Perhaps I'm lacking in my understanding of supply and demand but when I read repeatedly, and also experience frequently myself, about how stores are selling out of an item before the season is really underway - well, at the very least I feel hopeful we are headed out of the recession. But in all seriousness, are stores just having less items made? I was told that by a Banana sales rep last year - that they are making less so that the items will be more 'exclusive'. It just seems to happen a lot, and not to just moderate priced items. Recently, there was an $895 SHIRT from J.Crew that sold out very quickly!

So...anyone know what is going on?

16 years ago

General

4 replies

Latest reply was from velvetychocolate

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I think it's because of the recession. Sales are down, and they don't want to be stuck with items at the end of the season.

16 years ago

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I've noticed this - a few months ago, my Mom (plus sized) came to visit - and both of us noticed that the mass retailers are not carrying as much plus-sized clothing. Furthermore, I like to buy things for my Grandma (petite) and I've noticed a real downsizing in the petites departments as well.

I'm referring to larger chains and department stores. They seem to be downsizing both their plus and petite departments. On a recent trip to Dillards, with my Mom, there wasn't nearly as much selection as there used to be. Very disappointing.

As for myself, I came across a cardigan that I liked at Kohl's of all places. But...get this, they only had larges and extra-larges on hand. Tons of them, actually. Too big for me, and although I would have liked to buy some of these - they were simply not available.

I have a weird feeling that a lot of these stores are carrying a range of sizes that they think will sell, and not much of the other sizes. Or just that they carry a very limited selection of what they do have on offer. Very annoying, to be honest.

16 years ago

agrace

Active Member

VelvetyChocolate - yes, it is annoying! I am a size Medium on top and an 8 or 10 on bottom so I am completely average sized. I get it that a lot of my sizes will be in demand, but I thought supply followed demand. If retailers think that making less will just make me hungry for more they are wrong. I am more likely to think 'well, that store never has my size so why bother looking?' Anyways...I just wonder what is going on. I think people are shopping more in some ways for 'smaller' purchases like clothes to reward themselves rather than doing grandiose purchases...that is my theory!

16 years ago

velvetychocolate

Veteran

How is it that 'average' is ...simply unavailable?

(laughing here, because I know what it's like).

16 years ago

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