Today on the Boutique Chat Podcast Paul Erickson, Director of Sales at Management One joins us for Retail Inventory Management.
Are you confused about how much you should buy and how often? Do you want to know what the future of retail entails? Today Paul covers all things retail inventory management.Â
>> EPISODE 313 – LISTEN NOW ON iTunes <<
>> EPISODE 313 – LISTEN NOW ON Spotify <<
See the Full Boutique Chat Podcast Website here
Episode Rundown:
00:05:28 The Future of Retail
00:09:30 How Much Inventory Do You Need
00:23:06 Sell Through & Margins
00:26:43 Markups
00:38:51 What’s Trending
Main Points in Retail Inventory Management
- It is about buying smaller quantities of product, more often.
- Be strategic about your markups. They don’t need to be 50%, some products can easily be higher than 50%.
- 2021 is the year of opportunity and growth.

Favorite Quotes in Retail Inventory Management
“When you do make a mistake, it’s key you learn from it. I often call markdowns the tuition you pay on the education of your customer.” -Paul

“We think we cant get more markup. That is the one area retailers think the marked is pretty much fixed. No, it’s not, you can get more markup than you think.” -Paul
“Liberal return policies have been shown to reduce the returns, not increase them.” -Paul
Where to find & reach Paul:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.management-one.com/boutique-hub
Instagram: @m1retailexperts
Join the Hub for more training, information, and connections.
www.theboutiquehub.com/join
Use the hashtag #AskAshley on Instagram, or tag her at @ajalderson or @theboutiquehubto suggest topics for the podcast and let us know what you thought about this episode!
Do you love the Boutique Chat Podcast?! Subscribe to our podcast and after that, leave us a review on iTunes Apple Podcasts here!
Original Air Date: May 11th, 2021
Do you love the details of Retail Inventory Management? Let us know what you think about our show and help spread the word about the #BoutiqueChat Podcast.
Recent Posts:
- Five Minute Friday (Couch Conversations): The Real Questions Boutique Owners Need to AnswerWhat happens when you stop avoiding the hard questions about your business—and actually answer them? Ashley Alderson and Sara Burks are back for another Couch Conversation to unpack the real, unfiltered truth about building a business while raising a family. From playing small out of fear to the resentment that can build when expectations aren’t… Read more: Five Minute Friday (Couch Conversations): The Real Questions Boutique Owners Need to Answer
- The Andromeda Algorithm: How Boutique Owners Can Get More Reach on Social Media in 2026
Social media reach isn’t what it used to be—and there’s a reason why. A new shift known as the Andromeda algorithm is changing how content gets seen, prioritizing watch time, engagement, and real, relatable video over polished sales posts. If you’re a boutique owner wondering why your clothing posts aren’t performing, this blog breaks down exactly what’s happening and how to create content that actually gets reach (and drives sales) in 2026. - Why the Success of Your Brick and Mortar Store isn’t Working Online (And the One Shift That Changes Everything)
Guest Blog by Capital Commerce. You built something real. Your store has that vibe where people walk in and immediately get all the feelings. Your regulars bring their friends (and most have become friends by now). Your product mix is dialed in. Your merchandising tells a story – one that changes with the seasons, with trends, with your own instincts about what your customer is about to fall in love with.