The holidays can make or break a retailer’s year. It’s the season of opportunity — but also one of the easiest times to make costly buying mistakes. Between chasing trends, managing reorders, and keeping stores (and staff) energized, even experienced buyers can lose focus.

Here are the five most common holiday inventory mistakes retail buyers make — and how to avoid them so you finish the season strong and profitable

Everyone’s talking about Spring 2026 — and for good reason. Many economists are predicting that this will be the season when we “pay the piper” for years of shifting tariff policies. They’re warning about higher costs, delayed goods, and tighter margins.

For 35 years, I had the privilege of building Management One (M1) from the ground up. It was more than a business—it was my passion, my craft, and my way of serving people with integrity, clarity, and care. Over time, M1 grew, changed, and evolved. Growth is a blessing, but it can also create distance from the principles that first gave life to business.

Shoppers don’t just buy products—they respond to cues, signals, and emotions that influence their choices. In this webinar, retail strategist Paul Erickson unpacks the art and science behind psychological pricing and compelling messaging. You’ll discover how small changes in price presentation and communication can have an outsized impact on customer behavior and revenue.

Buying isn’t just filling shelves. It’s balancing data, instincts, and storytelling so every dollar you spend grows your business.
Read this blog to learn the 7 rules that keep your store and customers in sync.

Founder Returns: Marc Weiss Takes the Helm as CEO at Management One
Management One Welcomes Back Visionary Founder to Drive Next Phase of Growth

Markdowns often feel like a dirty word in retail. But in our recent webinar Markdowns That Move, retail experts explain that the right strategy isn’t about slashing prices. It’s about keeping inventory fresh, cash flowing, and customers coming back.
Find out why markdowns are a powerful tool for retailers and the strategic tips to get them right in our recap.

For independent retailers, staying relevant means knowing which styles are resonating right now—and why. In 2025, trends are evolving quickly, shaped by shifting lifestyles, greater focus on sustainability, and a desire for individuality. 

Here are five major trends in 2025, giving you insight into what’s selling, what’s gaining momentum, and where the opportunities lie for your store.

In independent retail, winners know exactly what their customers want—sometimes before the customers themselves do. The key to determining the right merchandise is combining hard data, real-world conversations, and a trained eye for what’s next. Here’s how to stay in tune with your shoppers and ahead of the curve in a fast-moving fashion landscape.

July was steady to last year with similar markdowns and inventory levels. Tariff chatter is loud and everywhere, but so far sales have not pulled back. As we transition into Fall, stay on offense: pull sell-through and Inventory Action Reports weekly, double-down on what’s moving, and take early markdowns on what’s not. Keep vendor conversations going to protect IMU and curb any freight or tariff surcharges before they land. 

When it comes to increasing retail sales, how you arrange your merchandise matters just as much as what you sell. A smart store layout guides customer movement, highlights your most profitable items, and ultimately drives more conversions—without increasing your square footage. 

Here’s how to use proven layout strategies to turn browsers into buyers.

In retail, profits may drive headlines—but it’s cash flow that keeps the lights on. According to Forbes, 82% of small businesses fail due to poor cash flow management, not lack of profit. And that’s where retail forecasting becomes a game-changer. Find out the three key moves to help you take control of your cash flow, no matter the season.

How many of our business decisions are dictated by the stories we tell ourselves?

When I listen to retailers share their fears, concerns, and challenges, it becomes clear that their decisions are often based on internal narratives rather than hard data. These stories, while understandable, can lead to choices that undermine the very advantages that make smaller retailers competitive.

Cash flow is the lifeblood of every retail business—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood challenges. When money runs tight, overbuying is often blamed, but it’s rarely the full story !

Find out the hidden causes of cash flow pressure and the actionable strategies that have helped retailers turn their inventory into a true profit engine.

Over the last quarter, most verticals finished flat to slightly up—a reminder that every shopper counts. Despite perceived headwinds in the economy and consumer sentiment, stores that maintained focus on execution and customer engagement continued to perform. This spotlights the importance of setting daily sales goals and sharpening conversion rates. Strong execution of fundamentals can still drive growth even if foot traffic is leveling or slowing.

Your vendor relationships can make or break your business. 

51% of businesses plan to collaborate more closely with suppliers—sharing data and forecasting together—to reduce uncertainty and improve outcomes in 2025.

Find out three ways to improve your vendor partnerships by making the most of your data.

Incentives work, but only when they’re clear, fair, and tied to the right behaviors. Find out four best practices to help you build smarter, more effective sales performance incentives.

Inventory planning isn't just about reordering what's selling—it’s about strategically deciding how much to buy, when to buy it, and how long it should stay on the floor. In this deep-dive conversation with Paul Erickson, Executive Director at Management One, we explore what inventory planning actually is. From defining open-to-buy budgets to the psychology of customer engagement, Paul shares his insights from 40+ years as a retail educator along with real-world examples that show how inventory planning can turn struggling stores into growth engines.

For our latest webinar, we asked participants to share how they’re feeling about 2025. Find out their top concerns, recession-tested strategies, and what they expect for the year ahead.