Every retailer has been there: looking at shelves of products that just aren’t moving.
Instead, the old stock is just gathering dust and taking up space that could be filled with faster selling items. And worse still: tying up cash you could be investing in fresh, in-demand merchandise.
As a small business that works with Canadian retailers, we’ve got lots of ideas for creative and effective inventory-clearing strategies!
Why Old Inventory Becomes a Problem
Before diving into solutions, it’s worth understanding why inventory gets “stuck” in the first place:
- Changing consumer preferences: What was popular last season may not appeal to today’s shoppers. The growing push towards locally-made products during the recent trade wars is just one example of this.
- Large minimum orders: Some vendors require big minimum orders which leaves you stuck with any inventory that isn’t popular with your customers. It can take months or even years to clear out old stock when this happens.
- Poor product placement: Great products can languish on the shelves if shoppers don’t see them or can’t easily reach them.
- Seasonal shifts: Holiday or seasonal items that didn’t sell during their prime window.
The longer inventory sits, the more it costs you in storage space, ties up your cash, and potentially decreases in value.
Here are some strategies to turn that stagnant merchandise into sales.
1. Create Irresistible Bundle Deals
Pair slow-moving products with your best-sellers to create appealing bundle packages. This strategy works like a dream for complementary products—like bundling a scarf that isn’t selling with a popular hat, or slow-moving candles with bestselling bath products.
Try pricing the bundle slightly lower than the items would cost separately, but ensure you’re still making enough to justify clearing the inventory.
2. Reimagine Your Displays
Sometimes products don’t sell simply because customers don’t notice them. Sometimes you can perk up a slow-moving item simply by moving it somewhere else in the store where customers like to flow.
- Move stagnant inventory to eye-level shelves or near your checkout
- Create a themed display that tells a story about the product
- Add “staff picks” or “locally made” signage to draw attention
3. Train Your Staff to Show off Specific Items
Your sales team can be your secret weapon in moving slow inventory. Have a staff meeting dedicated to the products you want to clear:
- Educate them about the product features and benefits
- Role-play how to naturally bring up these items during customer interactions
- Consider offering staff incentives for selling targeted inventory
- Encourage them to share authentic stories about why they personally like the product
4. Host a Flash Sale Event
Create urgency with a limited-time sale focused specifically on clearing inventory. Make it an event:
- Send email notifications to your customer list
- Promote it on your social media channels
- Put up in-store signage promoting the sale
Flash sales work because they create a sense of urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out) that motivates immediate purchases.
5. Implement a Strategic Discount Ladder
Instead of immediately slashing prices dramatically, use a methodical discount approach:
- Week 1-2: 15% off
- Week 3-4: 25% off
- Week 5-6: 40% off
- Final week: 50-70% off
This approach gives you a chance to recoup more of your investment while still ensuring the merchandise moves.
6. Use Slow Inventory as Marketing Tools
Consider using slow-moving inventory as:
- Contest prizes
- Gifts with purchase (spend $X, get this free gift)
- Customer appreciation giveaways
- Workshop or demonstration materials
These approaches help clear inventory while creating goodwill and encouraging additional purchases.
Looking Forward: Preventing Future Inventory Buildup
While clearing current stock is important, preventing future inventory issues is equally crucial:
- Implement inventory tracking: Use POS systems that provide accurate sales velocity data
- Start with smaller orders: Test new products with smaller quantities before committing to large orders
- Choose suppliers with flexible minimums: Work with vendors who don’t require massive bulk orders
- Stock less seasonal products: Consider products that sell well year-round or are good for multiple occasions
Final Thoughts
Clearing inventory isn’t just about recovering costs—it’s about freeing up physical and financial resources to keep your store fresh and exciting for customers.
Even if you take a small loss on some items, the space and capital you free up for new, in-demand merchandise will give you much better returns in the long run.
What creative strategies have you used to clear inventory in your shop? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
Looking for products that consistently sell well with minimal risk? At Mountains and Treasures, we offer low minimum orders, quick shipping within Canada, and Made-in-Canada products that tourists and locals love. Click here to learn more about our wholesale program for retailers.
