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Dollar store merchandise can be one big headache for those starting a dollar store. First there is the challenge of deciding exactly the right merchandise to offer. Then there is the challenge of locating the best suppliers. Once that task is completed initial orders with the right products and quantities must be submitted. Finally after what seems like months the merchandise arrives. But what’s this? Many of the items were not shipped! A quick set of follow-up orders puts things right for the grand opening. But of course there is a need for an immediate replenishment order to fill all of the holes created by the grand open event. This is just the beginning. Properly merchandising a high volume dollar store demands attention to detail. In this article I present some dollar store merchandise basics. When you start a dollar store use these basic tactics as a means of better managing the inventory in your store. * A full store sells more. The high volume nature of the dollar store world means many replenishment orders are required. Keep your store fully stocked with dollar store merchandise. Never allow big holes to develop in displays. Never allow end caps and bulk displays to become empty. At some point shoppers will begin to ask if you plan to liquidate. In other cases allowing the merchandise to sell down too low results in the loss of sales because you simply don’t have the core items shoppers seek. * Camouflage low inventory. If you have mistimed replenishment ordering then consider tactics such as spreading merchandise to help. Simply replace 8” peg hooks for 4” peg hooks and instantly you can cover twice the area with your current inventory. Use this tactic sparingly. 4” peg hooks don’t hold much merchandise and soon your store will look even emptier. * Make room for back stock right in the sales area. Keep your store looking fuller and reduce inventory handling labor by storing excess merchandise right on the sales floor. Add overhead shelves to your gondolas. Add extenders if required to reach the right height. Remove excess merchandise from the carton and display it on the new overhead shelves. Replenishment is as easy as reaching up and pulling items down to their proper location. Larger quantities of newly arrived merchandise can be used to create end caps and bulk displays. * Small frequent orders keep your store looking full. When starting a dollar store examine the idea of creating smaller, more frequent replenishment orders. This allows you to reduce the amount of back stock you maintain. It also allows you to keep the fastest selling items in stock. To your success when starting a dollar store! Are you interested in starting a dollar store? Visit http://www.openingadollarstore.com for more information.
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