Retail Strategy for Better Decisions
Whether you’re opening a new retail business or improving an established one, I help you see what’s really happening, identify the opportunity and make better decisions. Every engagement is tailored to your merchandise, customers, goals and numbers.
NEW STORE PLANNING & LAUNCH
Build the plan before you commit significant time and capital.
From developing realistic sales and inventory plans to building the right merchandise mix, I help new retailers make the critical decisions before the doors open. We’ll establish the financial and merchandising framework for the business so you can invest with greater clarity and avoid costly early mistakes.
• Sales, inventory and open-to-buy plans
• Startup budget, cash-flow projections and break-even analysis
• Merchandise classifications, assortment and initial inventory investment
• Vendor strategy and market preparation
• Point-of-sale, staffing and operating guidance
Interested in New Store Planning & Launch?
FOR ESTABLISHED RETAILERS
Turn your sales and inventory data into practical actions that improve profitability and cash flow.
Our work goes beyond reviewing reports. Together, we identify where inventory dollars are working—and where they aren't—uncover category and vendor opportunities, evaluate cash flow and potential profit opportunities, and adjust the plan as your business and customer evolve.
• Monthly inventory planning and open-to-buy using the platform appropriate to your business, including Retail Orbit® when applicable
• Merchandise, classification and assortment analysis
• Cash-flow projections and break-even analysis
• Vendor and product performance reviews
• Promotion and markdown strategy
• Strategic coaching, accountability and clear next-step decisions
Interested in Working Together?
QUARTERLY STRATEGY SESSIONS
Experienced retail perspective—without a monthly consulting commitment.
Quarterly Strategy Sessions are designed for established retailers who want an experienced outside perspective on their business but may not need ongoing monthly planning and coaching. Before each session, I review and analyze your business performance in advance so our time together can focus on insights, opportunities and decisions—not simply reviewing reports.
Depending on your needs, we may review:
• Sales, margin and inventory performance against plan by season and classification
• Category and classification opportunities
• Merchandising, events, promotions and sale strategies
• Trends and shifts in customer demand
• Upcoming seasons, markets, expansion opportunities and major business decisions
• Seasonal vendor performance by classification and in total, including sales, sell-through, margin and inventory productivity
• Vendor mix, opportunities and buying strategy
• Updated break-even analysis, potential profit opportunities and cash-flow issues
The goal is to step away from the day-to-day, take a fresh look at your business, identify red flags, white space and new opportunities, and leave with clear priorities and an actionable strategy for the next quarter.
Interested in Quarterly Strategy Sessions?