#1 Merchandising Resolution for 2010

For those of you who have attended any of my visual merchandising or "What's Hot" sessions over the years, you know that I am constantly harping on the importance of cross merchandising.  When I visit a store that "gets it", I sing a little hallelujah inside.  Yet, year after year, I see stores struggling from a disjointed and random feel to the merchandise mix. 

For 2010, I challenge each of you in the "not yet figured it out" crowd to pick two design or color themes per semester to build a cohesive assortment around.  That's all, just two a semester.  For larger stores, that's going to mean talking amongst the buyers.  Come on, I know you can do it!  For single-buyer stores, brainstorm your ideas with a multi-line sales rep. 

My friends at Cal State Long Beach Forty Niner Shops understand the concept.  Chris Tabellario (supply buyer) and Kristin Bonetati (insignia buyer) work with multi-line rep Maria Herring (from ICS).  What results is a merchandise mix that capitalizes on best-selling designs to create interest and consistency in feature displays.  Kristin's hot design on tees has found its way to Chris's binder selection with Maria's help in working the orders through various manufacturers.  Voila!   This one pattern has seen multiple re-orders and has had staying power with each new color variation.  Great job!