{"id":63492,"date":"2025-05-27T10:55:10","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T15:55:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/?p=63492"},"modified":"2025-06-04T17:23:40","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T22:23:40","slug":"why-dead-inventory-is-costing-you-and-how-to-fix-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/blog\/why-dead-inventory-is-costing-you-and-how-to-fix-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Dead Inventory Is Costing You and How to Fix It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/assets\/artwork\/1x1.gif\" alt=\"Boutique Chat\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/assets\/artwork\/1x1.gif\" alt=\"Boutique Chat\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<iframe title=\"Embed Player\" src=\"https:\/\/play.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/36588295\/height\/192\/theme\/modern\/size\/large\/thumbnail\/yes\/custom-color\/ffe0ff\/time-start\/00:00:00\/playlist-height\/200\/direction\/backward\/download\/yes\/font-color\/000000\" height=\"192\" width=\"100%\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"true\" mozallowfullscreen=\"true\" oallowfullscreen=\"true\" msallowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border: none;\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-apple-podcast-spotify-youtube\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/715-why-dead-inventory-is-costing-you-and-how-to-fix-it\/id1351990699?i=1000710086513\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APPLE PODCAST<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/season-6-kickoff-whats-working-for-small-business-retailers\/id1351990699?i=1000649690669\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a>| <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/0Z2DBoNC9rCyuUH3syOhlJ?si=129ZMaqLSimDbjGzKnQOBw\">SPOTIFY<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/YoDWTMiogTA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YOUTUBE<\/a><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">When you think about building a profitable boutique, what comes to mind first? Marketing? Merchandising? Trend-spotting? All important, sure\u2014but according to <em>MaxRetail<\/em> founder Melodie Van Der Baan and <em>The Boutique Hub<\/em>\u2019s Ashley Alderson, if you\u2019re not obsessing over turn rate and smart markdowns, you\u2019re leaving money (and peace of mind) on the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">In a recent interview, the two retail powerhouses talked shop\u2014literally\u2014and dropped gold nuggets on everything. Here&#8217;s what we learned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FINAL-4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-63495\" style=\"width:366px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FINAL-4.png 1080w, https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FINAL-4-169x300.png 169w, https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FINAL-4-576x1024.png 576w, https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FINAL-4-768x1365.png 768w, https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FINAL-4-864x1536.png 864w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-why-dead-inventory-is-costing-you-and-how-to-fix-it\">Why Dead Inventory Is Costing You and How to Fix It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-myth-of-the-fine-wine-inventory\"> The Myth of the \u201cFine Wine\u201d Inventory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the biggest mistakes newer retailers make? Holding onto slow-moving inventory like it\u2019s going to age like a fine wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spoiler alert: it doesn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Melodie broke it down with a powerful visual:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cLet\u2019s say I buy a makeup bag for $10 and sell it for $20 the next day. I reinvest that original $10 and do it again\u201410 days later, I\u2019ve made $90 in profit. But if it takes me 10 days (or months) to sell that same bag once for $20, I\u2019ve only made $10. That\u2019s the power of turn.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Turn, or how often you sell through inventory, directly impacts your cash flow and profit. When an item isn\u2019t moving, mark it down, sell it through MaxRetail, and reinvest that cash into something fresh. As Melodie put it, \u201cTime is the most precious thing we have and it cannot be stored today and banked for tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cash-is-king-and-markdown-strategy-is-the-throne\">Cash Is King\u2014and Markdown Strategy Is the Throne<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Holding out for that full margin might sound good in theory, but Melodie challenges retailers to shift their mindset:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cCould you squeak out 15% profit in a month\u2014or are you better off taking the cash now and reinvesting it in something that will turn faster and make you full margin?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not about discounting to discount. It\u2019s about using markdowns as a tool to fuel better buying decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-quality-control-and-baby-wipes\">Quality Control&#8230; and Baby Wipes?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With thousands of orders flowing through MaxRetail, you\u2019d expect a higher error rate\u2014but Melodie says their incident rate is under 2%. How? Clear processes and checklists that every retailer follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, baby wipes are part of the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cSometimes retailers will ship a shoe without wiping the sole or checking for makeup stains. But overall, our community is amazing and takes pride in their shipments.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Lesson: details matter. A clean item and a double-checked packing list go a long way in keeping customers\u2014and resale partners\u2014happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-inventory-analysis-the-most-unsexy-yet-powerful-process\">Inventory Analysis: The Most Unsexy Yet Powerful Process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s be honest\u2014nobody gets excited about reviewing sell-through reports and inventory-to-sales ratios. But Melodie says it best:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s like drinking apple cider vinegar. It\u2019s good for you, but you\u2019d much rather be calling customers or playing dress up. Still\u2014you have to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular inventory reviews help identify dogs early and clear space (physically and financially) for better investments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-two-hours-back-in-your-day-do-this-first\"> Two Hours Back in Your Day? Do This First.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Melodie\u2019s top income-generating activity? Reaching out to top customers <em>personally<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cI go to my POS, find my top revenue customers, and send them personalized video texts showing them products I know they\u2019ll love.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s simple. It\u2019s scrappy. And it drives serious results. Remember: 20% of your customers generate 80% of your revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-hardest-but-most-necessary-lesson\">The Hardest\u2014but Most Necessary\u2014Lesson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve ever held on to a toxic employee too long, this one\u2019s for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cNo matter how much you think you need that employee, if they\u2019re toxic, you\u2019re better off without them. It\u2019s going to feel like firing your sister, but you\u2019ve got to protect your culture.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Mic drop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-protect-your-peace-while-building-a-business\">How to Protect Your Peace While Building a Business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Melodie keeps work and family in separate boxes\u2014literally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cAt the end of the day, I close the box, put a bow on it, and put it away. When I\u2019m home, I\u2019m <em>home<\/em>. My kids don\u2019t care about Pink Friday. They care about <em>me<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if stress shows up in your dreams (hello, midnight holiday panic), don&#8217;t let it rob you of real-life moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-words-of-wisdom-love-it-even-when-it-doesn-t-love-you-back\">Final Words of Wisdom: Love It, Even When It Doesn\u2019t Love You Back<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every entrepreneur hits moments where the work is hard and the results aren\u2019t instant. That\u2019s when Melodie leans into her favorite piece of advice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cYou have to love it even when it doesn\u2019t love you back. That\u2019s when you find innovation\u2014when you think there\u2019s no other way out.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This conversation was packed with tactical takeaways and heartfelt truths. Whether you&#8217;re a new boutique owner or a seasoned pro, Melodie&#8217;s wisdom is a powerful reminder that retail success isn\u2019t about waiting\u2014it\u2019s about acting. Fast turns. Smart systems. Deep customer connections. And always protecting your peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let this be the permission slip you need to finally mark it down, wipe it off, or fire the person holding you back. Retail is real\u2014but you\u2019ve got this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"What You Never Knew About The Boutique Summit\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lTNDig76iY0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:45px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-in-this-episode\">In This Episode<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Melodie van der Baan:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/joinmaxretail\/\">Instagram<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCbZf_8HGPOt61cSL9laHzjQ\/featured\">YouTube<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/melodie-van-der-baan\/\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Max Retail:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maxretail.com\/?pr\">Website<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/joinmaxretail\/posts\/?feedView=all\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/go.theboutiquehub.com\/summit-2025%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Boutique Summit 2025<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/go.theboutiquehub.com\/retail-bootcamp\">Retail Bootcamp<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/go.theboutiquehub.com\/new-membership-join-page-podcast\">Join The Boutique Hub<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ashley Alderson:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/ajalderson\/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank\">Instagram<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Boutique Hub:&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/\">Website<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/facebook.com\/boutiquehub\">Facebook<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/instagram.com\/theboutiquehub\">Instagram<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/boutiquehubbusiness\">Pinterest<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/tiktok.com\/@theboutiquehub?lang=en\">TikTok<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCvhd0II4sh8IEVK6cWx6IDQ\">YouTube<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-let-s-connect-askashley\">Let&#8217;s Connect #AskAshley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Have a question or guest recommendation? Let us know your feedback directly <a href=\"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.typeform.com\/to\/LoSusCKq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here! <\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you love the Boutique Chat Podcast?! Subscribe to our podcast and after that, leave us a review on<a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/boutique-chat\/id1351990699?mt=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&nbsp;iTunes Apple Podcasts here<\/a>!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-must-have-resources\">Must Have Resources <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Boutique Hub:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/\">Website<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/facebook.com\/boutiquehub\">Facebook<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/instagram.com\/theboutiquehub\/\">Instagram<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/boutiquehubbusiness\/\">Pinterest<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/tiktok.com\/@theboutiquehub?lang=en\">TikTok<\/a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCvhd0II4sh8IEVK6cWx6IDQ\">YouTube<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Profit-First-Transform-Cash-Eating-Money-Making\/dp\/073521414X\/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wvQ3F27ciGlm-qikWR5o74bX1xXCyUuVUVjKTXxSJ2lSIwtTJ1_qej367_TC7BpftcYxxV_ibUIYocZntiyrayKVN6fAiFcq2L2Ikd_luVh0EmY4d2mOBkTuv908ZC78Q6sE51BMXhBw0ng6AJhz8Ch7XX6YCF2gLBv0TOoyu5XYBkZSs2XS87n1R494nhiOhCJ-_ONA-IOMOHkU5o-z3XQxlbCS1rkcw-S-ndc-rdg.sk6NI10VnSWCarCwUcgAhy91fGaHaExLsJht0zJt0xA&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;hvadid=580651190085&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvlocphy=9031031&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvrand=5734204082101673293&amp;hvtargid=kwd-166936692518&amp;hydadcr=21933_13324183&amp;keywords=profit+first+by+mike+michalowicz&amp;qid=1730376179&amp;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Profit First<\/a><\/em>&nbsp;by Mike Michalowicz&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/boutiquebossstore.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2025 Boutique Boss Planner<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/go.theboutiquehub.com\/summit-2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Boutique Summit 2025<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/go.theboutiquehub.com\/SMMB\">Small Business Marketing Handbook<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/go.theboutiquehub.com\/hiring-bundle?utm_source=TheBoutiqueHub.com&amp;utm_medium=Website&amp;utm_campaign=Products+Courses\">Small Business Hiring Handbook&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/go.theboutiquehub.com\/brand-owner-basics-sales-page-v2\">Brand Owner Basics Masterclass<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/go.theboutiquehub.com\/tradeshow-handbook\">Tradeshow Marketing Handbook<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/go.theboutiquehub.com\/2024-tradeshow-calendar\">2024 Trade Show Calendar<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/retailbootcamp.mykajabi.com\/boutique-hub-black-1\">Boutique Hub Black<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/hubventory.com\/\">Hubventory.com<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/go.theboutiquehub.com\/new-membership-join-page-blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Join The Boutique Hub<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-recent-posts\"><strong><em>Recent Posts:<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__list wp-block-latest-posts\"><li><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__featured-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/New-Blog-Covers-7-300x169.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"The Boutique Hub at MAGIC New York\" style=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/New-Blog-Covers-7-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/New-Blog-Covers-7-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/New-Blog-Covers-7-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/New-Blog-Covers-7.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/blog\/the-boutique-hub-at-magic-nyc\/\">The Boutique Hub at MAGIC New York<\/a><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-excerpt\">The Hub Team is heading to MAGIC New York again and we couldn&#8217;t be more excited! With over 320+ brands, you are sure to find more MAGIC in a (New York) minute!\u00a0<\/div><\/li>\n<li><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__featured-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/EDUCATION-HOW-TO-66-300x169.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Is Your Boutique Quiet, or Is Your Space Pushing Customers Away?\" style=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/EDUCATION-HOW-TO-66-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/EDUCATION-HOW-TO-66-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/EDUCATION-HOW-TO-66-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/EDUCATION-HOW-TO-66.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/blog\/is-your-boutique-quiet-or-is-your-space-pushing-customers-away\/\">Is Your Boutique Quiet, or Is Your Space Pushing Customers Away?<\/a><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-excerpt\">January is slow. You already know that. But here\u2019s the uncomfortable question most boutique owners avoid asking: Is it the season or is it your store?\n\nThe start of a new year is the perfect time to take a hard look at your space. Not when you\u2019re knee-deep in shipments, slammed on weekends, and wishing you had time to fix things, but now. During the quiet. During the downtime. During the moment when changes are actually possible.<\/div><\/li>\n<li><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"157\" src=\"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/5MF-BLOG-COVER-Podcast-14-300x157.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"The 13 Strategies Boutique Owners Need for 2026\" style=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/5MF-BLOG-COVER-Podcast-14-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/5MF-BLOG-COVER-Podcast-14-1024x536.png 1024w, https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/5MF-BLOG-COVER-Podcast-14-768x402.png 768w, https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/5MF-BLOG-COVER-Podcast-14.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/blog\/five-minute-friday-the-13-strategies-boutique-owners-need-for-2026\/\">Five Minute Friday: The 13 Strategies Boutique Owners Need for 2026<\/a><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-excerpt\">As we wrap up Season 7 of the Boutique Chat Podcast, I wanted to pause\u2014right where you&#8217;re listening\u2014and take an honest look at where the retail industry stands today and where it&#8217;s headed next. Based on 1,000&#8217;s of conversations with boutique owners over the past year, this episode breaks down 13 key focus areas that\u2026 <a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/theboutiquehub.com\/blog\/five-minute-friday-the-13-strategies-boutique-owners-need-for-2026\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">: Five Minute Friday: The 13 Strategies Boutique Owners Need for 2026<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you think about building a profitable boutique, what comes to mind first? Marketing? Merchandising? Trend-spotting? All important, sure\u2014but according to MaxRetail founder Melodie Van Der Baan and The Boutique Hub\u2019s Ashley Alderson, if you\u2019re not obsessing over turn rate and smart markdowns, you\u2019re leaving money (and peace of mind) on the table.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13448,"featured_media":63494,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[408,7615],"tags":[126,76,404,173,15,69],"class_list":["post-63492","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-boutiquechat","category-inventory","tag-boutiqueboss","tag-boutique-business","tag-boutique-chat","tag-boutique-summit","tag-boutique-tips","tag-the-boutique-hub","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.8 (Yoast SEO v26.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Why Dead Inventory Is Costing You and How to Fix It | The Boutique Hub<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When you think about building a profitable boutique, what comes to mind first? 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