As part of our Retail Accessory Report, we informally surveyed retailers on several business issues. Here’s what they had to say:
How do you merchandise slow-moving products?
“We don’t do markdowns very often, but we will be doing a sale as we move a curated collection of retail items to our new website.” — Teddie Garrigan, Coco & Dash
“It ends up on a less prominent shelf until it sells.”— Spencer Howard, Agoura Antique Mart
“We create special areas in ‘hot travel aisles’ with emphasis on how well they work with other [similar] merchandise.” – Anonymous
“We move it around on the floor, put it on sale.” — Susan Hoechner, Barbara Stewart Interiors
“We have longstanding 50% off section in back for seasonal items to transition to. We wanted a pretty sale section, so we invested in shelving. Anything seasonal goes from the front straight to the back. … Our sale section is a permanent sales section. People don’t turn their head until it’s 50% off.” —Beth Rich, Mix it Up Home
How are tariffs impacting your seasonal business?
“We no longer buy items that we can only double our money on. We need to be about to make at least two-and-a-half times the wholesale cost, but preferably three to five times the wholesale cost. Vendors that haven’t raised prices or applied a tariff surcharge, we buy from first. Vendors that have raised prices or applied a tariff surcharge, we buy from last.” —Spencer Howard, Agoura Antique Mart
“We are using more Made in America vendors and companies that support LGBTQ for our holiday items. Oftentimes on Amazon, you can’t find where a product is made, so we provide that information to set our seasonal items apart.” — Christina Van Blake, House & HOME
How are you competing with online retailers?
“Our tag line is: You can see what is offered online. But you can touch what is offered in the store.” —Anonymous
“Putting together curated collections of products others are not carrying, not just drop shipping all products a vendor has.” — Anonymous
“There is nothing like us in the surrounding area. There are antique malls, but we are not a mall. Our two main categories are mid-century modern furniture and accents as well as international goods. We have a big international audience, and they often can’t take home a large piece of furniture but can purchase wall art, accents and smaller pieces. — Keith Miller Graber, Found
“What sets us apart from others is our curated product assortment that focuses on exclusive, artisan made, sustainable and unique items, all while mixing vintage and new. Additionally having the best rug assortment with customization options, being a one stop shop for all things home, and our designer program give us a niche place in the market.” — Amy Beierholm, ABC Carpet & Home
“I do a Google search and if I find an item online then we don’t sell it. We white label everything and the way we mix things together is very different than online product display. We also have a designer in every store to help customers with individual requests.” — Christina Van Blake, House & HOME
