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13: Merchandise Life Cycle for Small Retail Businesses and Small-Batch Manufacturers

4/25/2019

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Woman Walking Through Inventory Warehouse | Retail Shift Episode 13: Merchandise Life Cycle for Small Retail Businesses and Small-Batch Manufacturers | Hosted by Chris Guillot of Merchant Method | Subscribe at merchant.tips/podcast
When I started working in a retail buying office, I found it to be an exciting time in my life. I adored being part of the decision-making that shaped what customers bought. Specifically, I enjoyed learning how to understand my customers so deeply that I could shop of them — thousands and thousands of them.

What you and I have in common is that we excel at translating visual or emotional inspiration into something a customer will pay for. We also have strong presentation skills — from visual communication to store merchandising to selling. Like you, I love this large portion of the job being a merchant!
​
During this early part of my career, I could have left the rest of the merchant role behind. Believe me when I tell you, I tried and here’s how it went!
Merchant Method Programs · 013 Merchandise Life Cycle for Small Retail Businesses and Small Batch Manufacturers

Ultimately, I couldn’t. I couldn’t pick and choose what to focus on and what to ignore, and neither can you.

I quickly learned that selling inventory to a paying customer happens in an ecosystem of sorts and that this environment has an infinite amount of influences — some that we control and some we do not.

Listen to this week’s podcast episode to get a bird’s eye view of the merchandise life cycle so that you can have more clarity and control of your time.
  • The difference between operating a business on a solid foundation vs. shaky ground
  • Unlocking more personal time off by mastering production management
  • Learn the six phases of the merchandise life cycle
  • Similarities and differences of how retailers and makers or small-batch manufacturers move through the merchandise life cycle
After you’ve listened, it’s time to take action! Remember: Knowledge and action are most effective when applied within the context of your unique business, using your unique style.

To help you find your path to business growth, take my free 60-second Retail Success Style quiz at MerchantMethod.com/Quiz. I can’t wait to learn more about you!
Graphic of computer screen with a quiz | What’s Your Retail Success Style? | Visit merchantmethod.com to learn more.
If you like this episode, here’s how to dive in even deeper.

➙ Learn alongside other retailers and makers inside my free podcast community at MerchantMethod.com/RetailShift. This is where you can get support on podcast topics, exclusive hot tips, and more.

Bonus Video Training for Action-Takers

With passion and purpose,
Signature | Retail Shift Podcast Hosted by Chris Guillot | Visit merchantmethod.com to learn more.
How to Subscribe & Leave a Review

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Now if you really liked — or even loved — something I shared, can you help me out with a review on iTunes? This simple action will help other merchants find you and I, and this podcast. Click here to review: select “Ratings and Review” and “Write a Review.”
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